Brown four-eyed opossum

The brown four-eyed opossum is a fascinating marsupial despite lacking a pouch. Belonging to the Didelphidae family, this creature inhabits the lush forests of Central and South America, including countries such as Nicaragua, Paraguay, northern Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia.

Scientifically known as Metachirus, recent molecular studies suggest that what is currently recognized as one species might actually comprise multiple distinct species. Generally, their population densities are low, making them a rare sight in parts of Central America.

These opossums are nocturnal and prefer a solitary lifestyle. They are terrestrial and have an omnivorous diet, feeding on fruits, small animals, and insects. At night, they forage for various foods, including fruit seeds, birds, reptiles, crayfish, and snails.

One of their distinctive features is the white spot above each eye, which gives them the nickname "four-eyed opossum." Their scaly tails are longer than their bodies, aiding them in balance and maneuvering through their environment.

They construct nests out of leaves and twigs, choosing cozy spots in tree branches or under rocks and logs. These opossums have multiple breeding seasons throughout the year, with litter sizes ranging from one to nine.

Interestingly, the brown four-eyed opossum serves as a host for the intestinal parasite Gigantorhynchus ortizi. Despite this, they continue to thrive in their natural habitats, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability.