The Controversial Beauty of Opossums
Big-eared opossum (Didelphis aurita) babies are an adorable sight. It's rare for anyone to see them and not feel their heart melt.
With their curious eyes, large ears, prehensile tails, strong personalities, and adaptability to their environment, they perfectly represent nature's resilience in our world.
However, behind the captivating appearance of these babies and the prejudice against the adults, there is a story that few people know, one that I had the privilege of discovering over the years.
From Prejudiced to Defender
I must admit that, initially, I was one of the many who held prejudice against opossums.
To me, these animals always seemed strange, with their somewhat rough appearance and nocturnal habits.
But life, with its ironies, led me to drastically change this view.
It all began when my friend and colleague, biologist Iasmin Macedo, invited me to be part of an unusual project: the Projeto Marsupiais (Marsupials Project).
I found it curious that someone would dedicate so much effort to these animals, but I accepted the challenge, unaware that it would be the start of a transformative journey.
The Projeto Marsupiais
It is an initiative of the Instituto Últimos Refúgios (Last Nature Refuges Institute), dedicated to the conservation of Brazilian marsupials, animals of extreme ecological importance.
Since 2017, the project has been conducting scientific research and environmental awareness activities, aiming to increase knowledge about these unique species and promote their conservation.
With over 60 species of marsupials in Brazil, including the well-known opossums and the less-known woolly opossums and gray four-eyed opossums, the Marsupials Project strives to turn technical information into accessible content to foster public empathy.
Additionally, the project carries out rescue and rehabilitation actions for marsupials in Espírito Santo state in Brazil, training volunteers and specialists to ensure these animals can safely return to the wild.
The mission is clear: to protect these incredible animals and highlight their importance for ecosystem balance and human life.
The Stars of the Show
Early on in the project's work, I realized that opossums have a unique ability to attract attention.
Whenever I shared something about them on social media, the engagement was surprisingly high.
This made me reflect: how could such a misunderstood animal spark so much interest? It was then that I began to see opossums in a new light.
They were not just strange animals; they were survivors, adapted to urban chaos, with an ecological importance that many people do not recognize.
They are animals that are part of people's history. Who doesn't have a story about opossums, even if it's one told by grandparents, parents, or uncles?
Interestingly, the Projeto Marsupiais's social media pages grow faster, even organically, than my own. By the way, the Instagram page reached 30K followers in this monday. Join at the marsupial lovers and follow us here.
I love the success of the opossums... but I also find it very curious.
The Emotional Connection
I believe that the Projeto Marsupiais's success on social media is linked to the emotional connection people have with opossums.
These animals, often seen as intruders, actually share our cities and fields, creating a closeness that few other animals have.
Who hasn't heard a family story about an opossum in the attic, stealing fruit from the country house table, or a mother carrying her babies?
These experiences connect us, and I believe it's this connection that makes people care so much about our furry friends.
The Big-Eared Opossum
The big-eared opossum (Didelphis aurita) is a true master of adaptation.
Inhabiting both urban areas and dense forests, these marsupials play a crucial role in ecological balance.
They are voracious predators of scorpions, snakes, and even small rodents, helping keep these populations under control.
Additionally, their ability to disperse seeds makes them important agents in forest regeneration.
The species can be misunderstood by humans, who often confuse them with rats, which are considered pests, causing many problems for them.
A memory
One of the most memorable stories I lived through was when I photographed a litter of big-eared opossum babies,rescued after an unfortunate encounter with humans.
These tiny, fragile creatures were taken to CETAS-ES (Wildlife Rehabilitation Center from Espírito Santo - Brazil), where they received the necessary care.
Seeing my friend, biologist Iasmin Macedo, with all her care and dedication, holding those babies is an image that has stayed with me.
The contrast between the babies' fragility and the seriousness of the situation was overwhelming. Photographing those moments was both challenging and thrilling.
Capturing the vulnerability of the babies, hanging by their small tails from Iasmin's hands, made me realize how our interaction with nature can be both destructive and life-saving.
What touched me the most was seeing how, despite everything, these opossums still had a strong survival instinct.
I could see the will to live in their tiny eyes.
A Common Cause
As I photograph these animals, I can't help but think about the many threats they face. Car accidents, dog attacks, hunting, aggression, and habitat destruction are daily challenges.
This is why the work of the Projeto Marsupiais is so important. Through rescue and rehabilitation actions, we are giving these animals a second chance.
With the cooperation agreement with IBAMA and CETAS-ES, this work has an even greater impact, serving as a model for other regions of Brazil.
A Call to Action
If you're from Espírito Santo, take pride in being part of a state that values its fauna. Share this information about our opossums with your friends and help spread the conservation message.
Comment, like, and share this content. Your interaction is vital to keeping the conservation flame alive and showing the world the importance of protecting our biodiversity.
I hope you enjoyed this story. See you on the next adventure!
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Nature photographer and cinematographer, founder of Instituto Últimos Refúgios, Master in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, passionate about the environment! Join me on this incredible journey of wildlife discoveries and see more beautiful stories as I constantly explore nature.
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