Mammals
White-eared Opossum
Didelphis albiventris
Identified by distinctive white ears and a pale face, a white-eared opossum adapts readily to nearly any habitat it encounters, from wild forest to the edges of towns across a broad stretch of South America.
Overview
The white-eared opossum, Didelphis albiventris, is a Least Concern mammal native to forest and grassland habitat across a broad range of South America. Its distinctive pale facial markings, its strong adaptability across varied habitat types, and its tolerance for human-modified landscapes make it one of the more ecologically successful marsupials found anywhere on the continent.
A generalist that goes almost anywhere
Few South American marsupials match the white-eared opossum’s flexibility, moving comfortably between wild forest, open grassland, and the edges of human settlement wherever food and shelter can be found.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and abundant across its broad South American range, benefiting from strong adaptability to varied and human-modified habitats.
White-eared Opossum: common questions
Why is it called the white-eared opossum?
This species has distinctive white ears and a pale face, a feature that gives the species its common name and helps with identification.
How adaptable is the white-eared opossum?
This species is highly adaptable, found in forest, grassland, and even disturbed or urban-adjacent habitat across its wide South American range.
Is the white-eared opossum a common species?
Yes, this species is one of the more common and widespread opossum species across its range, tolerating human-modified landscapes well.
When is the white-eared opossum active?
This species is mostly active at night, foraging under cover of darkness and resting during the day.