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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Freshwater crabs
- Small fish
- Frogs
Predators
- Caimans
- Large snakes
- Birds of prey
ThreatsWater pollution, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation
HabitatsFreshwater streams, rivers, lakes, and gallery forests
Life span2 to 3 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyDidelphidae
- SpeciesChironectes minimus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a sharp bite if cornered; observe quietly from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses sharp teeth and strong jaws capable of delivering a painful bite if cornered or handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a striking black-and-grey marbled coat, webbed hind feet, and a long, naked tail.
- What to do
- Never attempt to trap, corner, or handle this animal; maintain a respectful distance on the riverbank.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Competitor (c) Sidnei Dantas, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Sidnei Dantas · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Cody Pope / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Semiaquatic Relative
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