Kingdom Animalia Infraclass Marsupialia Family Phalangeridae Scientific name Wyulda squamicaudata Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Diprotodontia Genus Wyulda
Alexander, 1918 Higher classification Wyulda | |
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Similar Rock‑haunting ringtail possum, Northern brushtail possum, Woodlark cuscus, Stein's cuscus, Rothschild's cuscus | ||
The scaly-tailed possum or the Ilangnalya (Wyulda squamicaudata) is found in northwestern Australia. It is restricted to the Kimberley region in Western Australia. As it is monotypic in its genus, it is sometimes known simply by its genus — the Wyulda.
The scaly-tailed possum is a member of the family Phalangeridae, which means that it is related to cuscuses and brushtail possums. It is a solitary nocturnal forager that feeds on leaves, flowers and fruit.
As its name implies, its distinguishing feature is a hairless, scaly tail.
The possum has a limited range and is found in high rainfall coastal regions of the north Kimberley between Yampi Sound and Kalumburu, as well as further inland in the east Kimberley at Emma Gorge. Populations also inhabit Bigge Island and Boongaree Island. The preferred habitat of this animal is sandstone based woodlands where it can shelter in rock piles and fissures and feed in the trees.
