Research Training Program

Juan Andres Martinez
University of the Republic of Uruguay
Montevideo, Uruguay

Don Wilson, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Zoology, Mammals

"I will never forget all the amazing things I have lived and learnt here, things I would have never experienced otherwise."

A study in Pouched four-eyed opossums of Central and South America

Pouched Four-eyed opossums are among the most common large, terrestrial marsupials found in the moist forests of Central and South America. Their common name refers to a well-contrasted whitish fur spot above each eye and females carry the young in a pouch. Although the biology of these opossums has been widely studied, many aspects of their natural history remains uncertain, including if all the Pouched Four-eyed opossums throughout their range represent the same or different species. To answer this question museum specimens, especially the skulls and skins, collected throughout their range were carefully examined. This study revealed that the Pouched Four-eyed opossums from Bolivia have distinct size and fur coloration, and therefore represent a separate a group to be recognized as a new species. This discovery provides scientists with a better understanding of the group of Pouched Four-eyed opossums, and also sets a framework for further and complementary studies seeking to unravel the mysteries of this striking group of New World marsupials.

This research was supported by the Bill and Jean Lane Internship Endowment.

Letter of gratitude