Resting sites of opossums (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) in Atlantic Forest fragments

Abstract

Abstract We report the type and pattern of use of resting sites used by 14 radio-tracked opossums. Philander frenatus rested in natural structures but also on spherical structures of dry leaves, probably built by them. Caluromys philander and Marmosa paraguayana rested at forest canopy preventing nest type identification. More than half of the resting site locations of each radio-tracked individual were in a single resting site. The repeated use of resting sites in the study area might be a strategy to stay close to resources and a protection against adverse weather conditions, predators and/or competitors.