Phalanger (Phalangista), a genus of small arboreal marsupials, of which many species are found in Australia and the islands to the north of it. All the species have long, prehensile tails, and many grasp their food and convey it to the mouth with the forepaws. They feed usually on the young shoots and leaves of the trees in which they live, but in captivity they do not refuse animal food. The Vulpine Phalanger (P. vulpina) is very common in Australia, and is used by the natives for food. The Dormouse Phalanger (P. nana), which is only six inches in length, resembles the common dormouse in habits and appearance. Closely allied are the Flying Phalangers (q.v.).