When a mother yapok dives underwater, her baby is saved from drowning by a waterproof pouch. |
Among the other opossum species are the tiny mouse opossums and the yapok, or water opossum, which has webbed feet and leads a semiaquatic existence. |
The yapok is a long-legged opossum with a relatively broad snout, and a long, almost hairless, scaly tail except at its base. |
South America, in particular, has a host of species, from the dwarf fat-tailed mouse opposum to the yapok, an aquatic marsupial. |
In general terms, the yapok can be thought of as a sort of marsupial otter. |
When the yapok is building its nest, it carries leaves rolled up in its tail to line its home and make it cozy. |