Actual bear cuscus
| Actual bear cuscus | ||||||||||||
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Common bear cuscus ( Ailurops ursinus ) |
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Ailurops ursinus | ||||||||||||
| ( Temminck , 1824) |
The actual bear cuscus ( Ailurops ursinus ) is a marsupial in the climbing bag family that occurs on Sulawesi . The total stock is divided into four subspecies, which may represent separate species.
features
With a maximum head-trunk length of 61 cm, a tail length of up to 58 cm and a weight of 7 to 10 kg, the species is one of the larger climbing baggers. The fur color of the upper side varies between black, gray and brown, while the underside, the forearms and the shins are covered in lighter colored fur. According to one source, the coat consists of a short undercoat and long, harsh outer hair. According to another description, it is dense and soft. With its prehensile tail , which is bare at the end , the bear cusus can move very well in the branches of the trees. In addition, he has two opposable fingers on the paws (thumb and index finger) and an opposable big toe. All fingers and toes have sharp, pointed claws . The head is characterized by a flattened skull, a short snout and small round ears, making the species resemble a bear , which is reflected in the German name. As with all climbing baglers, females have a well-developed pouch ( marsupium ) that protects the suckling young.
distribution
The species lives endemically on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and on smaller islands belonging to it. It can be found in the lowlands and in the hill country up to 600 meters above sea level. Primarily primordial moist tropical forests serve as habitat . Occasionally the Bear Cousus visits plantations or gardens.
Way of life
The individuals usually live in smaller groups with three or four members. They slowly climb trees and bushes without jumping. The real bear cousin does not specialize in a particular time of day. It can be active in daylight or at night. However, he spends most of his time resting. Since in the distribution area ripe leaves, z. B. Ylang-Ylang ( Cananga odorata ) or gutta-percha trees , which provide most of the protein , these are preferred as food. This marsupial also eats young shoots, flowers and unripe fruits.
In females there are up to two litters a year, each with one young. As with other marsupials, the offspring are underdeveloped at birth. The mother adapts the composition of the milk to the level of development of the young animal. The milk is initially rich in carbohydrates and later the fat content increases, which leads to the rapid development of the offspring. Female young animals can become sexually mature shortly after the suckling period ends.
status
The actual bear cuscus is threatened by deforestation as the basis for new agricultural areas. In addition, it is hunted for its meat or targeted as a pet. There are three national parks and various nature reserves in the distribution area. Indonesia has placed the species under protection by law. The IUCN estimates that the total population will decrease by 30 percent over a period of 10 years (5 before and 5 after 2008). It lists the actual bear cusps as endangered (Vulnerable) .
supporting documents
- ↑ Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Ed.): Mammal Species of the World . A taxonomic and geographic Reference . 3. Edition. 2 volumes. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 (English, Ailurops ursinus ).
- ↑ a b c d Bear cuscus ( Memento of the original from November 14, 2017 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , ARKive.org, Retrieved November 28, 2017.
- ↑ a b c d Tawny Seaton: Bear cuscus on the Animal Diversity Web of the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. 2002. Accessed November 28, 2017.
- ↑ a b Ailurops ursinus in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2016 Posted by: Salas, L. Dickman, C., slipway, K. & Flannery, T., 2008. Accessed November 28, 2017th
