The genus ''Cercartetus'' is a group of very small possums known as
pygmy possum
The pygmy possums are a family of small possums that together form the marsupial family Burramyidae. The five extant species of pygmy possum are grouped into two genera. Four of the species are endemic to Australia, with one species also co-occu ...
s. Four species comprise this genus, which together with the genus ''
Burramys'' make up the marsupial family
Burramyidae.
It has occasionally been presumed that ''Cercaërtus'' was a misspelling or synonym of ''Cercartetus''. However, the name ''Cercaërtus'' is a junior synonym of ''
Trichosurus'' and not of ''Cercartetus''.
(CI) and the
Indonesia
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of over 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and parts of Borneo and New Guine ...
Institute of Science (LIPI) reported on the possible discovery of a new species of ''Cercartetus'' pygmy possum upon visit to the
Foja Mountains in June 2007.
Species
*Genus ''Cercartetus''
**
Long-tailed pygmy possum, ''Cercartetus caudatus''
**
Southwestern pygmy possum
The western pygmy possum (''Cercartetus concinnus''), also known as the southwestern pygmy possum or the ''mundarda'', is a small marsupial found in Australia. Genetic studies indicate its closest relative is probably the eastern pygmy possum, f ...
, ''Cercartetus concinnus''
**
Tasmanian pygmy possum, ''Cercartetus lepidus''
**
Eastern pygmy possum, ''Cercartetus nanus''
References
Possums
Marsupials of Australia
Marsupial genera
Extant Pleistocene first appearances
Taxa named by C. L. Gloger
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