What is the scientific name of the only hibernating marsupial?

The scientific name of the only hibernating marsupial is Burramys parvus, the mountain pygmy possum. This tiny Australian marsupial lives in alpine boulder fields and enters prolonged seasonal hibernation during the colder part of the year.

The species has an unusual scientific history. Fossil remains discovered in 1895 led scientists to believe it was extinct, but a living animal was found at Mount Hotham in Victoria in 1966. Today, its known populations are restricted to isolated alpine areas of Victoria and New South Wales.

Adult mountain pygmy possums can hibernate for up to seven months. During torpor, body temperature may fall to about 2°C, and individuals periodically wake for several days to eat cached seeds and berries. Before winter, they build energy reserves by feeding heavily on bogong moths, fruits, seeds, and nectar.

The phrase “only hibernating marsupial” is usually shorthand for the only Australian marsupial known for long, regular seasonal hibernation. Other marsupials may enter shorter or opportunistic torpor, which is why Burramys parvus is the standard answer to this quiz question.