Fauna
Mammal · GBIF taxon 5219950

Gray Four-eyed Opossum

Philander opossum

Also known as Four-eyed Opossum, Guianan Four-eyed Opossum

Gray four-eyed opossums are agile, nocturnal marsupials named for the distinctive pale spots above each eye that mimic an extra pair of eyes. They are highly active climbers and adept swimmers, frequently foraging near streams and swampy areas. Females rear their young in a well-developed pouch, eventually carrying older offspring on their backs through the forest canopy.

NocturnalMarsupialSolitary
Gray Four-eyed Opossum reference
Licensed reference"black four-eyed opossums, gray four-eyed opossums" by Demian Hiß is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Insects
  • Small rodents
  • Fallen fruits
Predators
  • Harpy eagles
  • Jaguars
  • Boa constrictors
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, and vehicle collisions
HabitatsPrimary, secondary, and disturbed tropical forests, often near water
Life span1 to 2 years
Classification
  1. FamilyDidelphidae
  2. SpeciesPhilander opossum
Range & activity
Native
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Capable of a sharp defensive bite if cornered; observe from a safe distance.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses sharp teeth and strong jaws capable of delivering a painful defensive bite if handled or cornered.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Distinguished by the prominent white spots above each eye and a dark gray coat with a pale belly.
What to do
Never attempt to touch or trap; back away slowly if one displays its teeth or hisses.
Responsible observation
  • Night Spotting: Use a red-filtered flashlight to spot their highly reflective eyes without causing distress.
  • Keep Distance: Avoid cornering them on the ground, as they can become highly defensive and hiss loudly.
  • Look Near Water: Focus search efforts along stream banks and swampy forest edges where they actively forage.
Related species
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