Waigeo spotted cuscus
| Waigeo spotted cuscus | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Spilocuscus papuensis | ||||||||||||
| ( Desmarest , 1822) |
The Waigeo spotted cuscus ( Spilocuscus papuensis ) is a marsupial from the climbing family (Phalangeridae) that is endemic to the Raja Ampat islands of Waigeo and Gam and possibly also to Batanta , northwest of New Guinea.
features
The Waigeo spotted cusus reaches a head body length of 47 to 57 cm, has a 47 to 55.5 cm long prehensile tail and reaches a weight of about 2.6 kg. The animals are therefore smaller than the spotted cusus species from the New Guinea mainland but larger, especially their head, than other island forms. The basic color of the Waigeo spotted cuscus is dirty creamy white. In contrast to other types of spotted cusus, the Waigeo spotted cuscus has both sexes speckled on the back, head and the outer sides of the limbs. The spots are dark brown to blackish. The spots on the males are larger and contrast more with the basic color. The iris can be reddish, light brown, hazel, or dark brown. The upper premolars are large and narrow, the molars are relatively small. Adults usually lack the second upper premolar.
Habitat and way of life
The Waigeo spotted cuscus occurs in primary and secondary tropical, humid forests. Little is known about his way of life. It is said to be active both day and night and the females give birth to a single young.
Danger
The IUCN assesses the existence of the Waigeo spotted cusus as endangered ( Vulnerable ). The reason is the relatively small area of distribution and the potential threat from deforestation and hunting by humans.
supporting documents
- ↑ a b c d Kristofer Helgen & Stephen Jackson: Family Phalangeridae (Cuscuses, Brush-tailed Possums and Scaly-tailed Possum). In: Don E. Wilson , Russell A. Mittermeier : Handbook of the Mammals of the World - Volume 5. Monotremes and Marsupials. Lynx Editions, 2015, ISBN 978-84-96553-99-6 , p. 495.