Species · GBIF taxon 5219955
Water Opossum
Chironectes minimusAlso known as Yapok, South American Water Opossum
Water opossums navigate fast-flowing tropical streams with remarkable agility, using their webbed hind feet to propel themselves and their water-repellent fur to stay dry. These nocturnal marsupials hunt for aquatic prey by touch, sweeping their highly sensitive, clawless front paws through underwater crevices and leaf litter. Uniquely, both mothers and fathers possess pouches, with the female's pouch sealing watertight via a strong sphincter muscle to keep her young dry even while she dives.
SemiaquaticNocturnalMarsupial
Licensed referenceEnrique González / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
- diet
- Carnivorous (crustaceans, fish, frogs, and aquatic insects)
- family
- Didelphidae
- threats
- Water pollution, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation
- life Span
- 2 to 3 years
LC
Capable of delivering a sharp bite if cornered; observe quietly from a safe distance.
Possesses sharp teeth and strong jaws capable of delivering a painful bite if cornered or handled.
Never attempt to trap, corner, or handle this animal; maintain a respectful distance on the riverbank.- Night Spotting: Use a red-filtered flashlight near clean, fast-flowing streams to spot their reflective eyes without startling them.
- Listen Closely: Listen for the soft splashes of diving or the scratching of claws on riverside logs after dusk.
- Respect Nesting Burrows: Avoid disturbing holes in riverbanks, which serve as crucial daytime dens for sleeping families.