#marsupial

Carol (NightDragon07)NightDragon07
2025-12-04
2025-11-04

The #Tenkile is a critically #endangered chocolate brown tree #kangaroo 🦘🤎 bouncing in #PapuaNewGuinea’s 🇵🇬 #rainforests #PalmOil is a major threat. Help them, every time you shop #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🪔🤮🧐⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect #marsupial palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/

2025-11-02

The Talaud Bear Cuscus 🐻🇮🇩 is a critically endangered #marsupial from #Salibabu island #Indonesia, rapidly vanishing from #palmoil #deforestation 🌴🔥⛔️ Fight back! #BoycottPalmOil #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife for their survival @palmoildetect palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/

Robert Fairheadtallandtrue@aus.social
2025-10-31

Happy World Numbat Day! ❤️ #wildlife #marsupial #numbat #australia #worldnumbatday

Link to Project Numbat website: numbat.org.au

2021-01-26

Vogelkop Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus ursinus

Vogelkop Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus ursinus

IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable

Location: Vogelkop and Fakfak Peninsulas, West Papua

This species is found only in the remote montane rainforests of the Vogelkop (Doberai) and Fakfak Peninsulas in Indonesian-occupied West Papua, at elevations ranging from sea level to 2,500 metres.

The Vogelkop #TreeKangaroo Dendrolagus ursinus, also known as the Ursine or Black Tree #Kangaroo, is one of the least known and most elusive tree kangaroos in the world. Endemic to the Vogelkop and Fakfak Peninsulas of West Papua, this striking marsupial is cloaked in jet-black fur, with pale cheeks, tufted ears, and a white-tipped tail. They live alone in the misty mountain forests. Yet even in the densest forest, lowland logging roads are growing, they are under threat from #hunting and relentless forest clearance for #palmoil agriculture and #timber. Take action to protect these rapidly vanishing forest dwellers when you #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife, be #Vegan and #BoycottMeat

Vogelkop Tree #Kangaroos 🦘😻 with their strong limbs, wooly fur and expressive faces are ancient guardians of the #forests in #WestPapua. Help them to survive against #PalmOil #ecocide and #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🪔🚜🔥⛔️#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/26/vogelkop-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-ursinus/

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Elusive Vogelkop Tree #Kangaroos 🦘🫶 can leap several metres through trees in #WestPapua. Help these #vulnerable #marsupials. They face grave threat from #PalmOil #deforestation. Fight for them #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🩸🧐🚫 #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/26/vogelkop-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-ursinus/

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https://youtu.be/lZ61Z6dYDt0?si=3WIR4LsCNwkO91T1

Appearance and Behaviour

With their glossy black upper coat, pale underbelly, reddish or white cheeks, and soft white throat patch, Vogelkop Tree Kangaroos appear like ethereal guardians of the rainforest. Their long, tufted ears and thick fur are well-suited to the cool montane climate, while their strong limbs and curved claws make them agile climbers. The fur whorls on their shoulders may even help channel rainwater off their heads. Weighing up to 8 kg, they are larger than most tree-dwelling marsupials, yet they move with stealth and grace through the forest canopy. They are nocturnal and solitary, coming down to the ground only rarely to move between trees.

Diet

Very little is known about their natural diet, but captive individuals have been observed eating leaves, bark, and twigs from mulberry trees, figs, and breadfruit (Antocarpus) species. Like other members of the Dendrolagus genus, they are folivores and frugivores, likely foraging across a wide area to find seasonal fruits and foliage in the upper canopy.

Reproduction and Mating

As with most tree kangaroos, reproduction is poorly documented. It is thought that breeding can occur year-round. After a gestation of around 30 days, the tiny newborn crawls into the mother’s pouch to attach to a nipple, developing there for around 300 days. The lack of data on reproduction in this species makes it difficult to assess how quickly populations can recover from declines.

Geographic Range

Dendrolagus ursinus is confined to the Vogelkop (Doberai) and Fakfak Peninsulas in the far northwest of Indonesian-occupied West Papua. Their range is limited to high-altitude montane forests between 1,000 and 2,500 metres, although some sources note sightings as low as sea level. Once more widespread, their habitat has been fragmented by palm oil agriculture and hunting. The total range is estimated to be no more than 30,000 square kilometres, much of which remains unexplored.

Threats

Very little is known about the biology, ecology, and behaviour of D. ursinus, making conservation efforts challenging. The lack of detailed population studies, genetic analysis, and ecological monitoring prevents targeted protection strategies. This information vacuum has left the species largely ignored in regional conservation planning.

• Hunting by local communities for food

Hunting remains a significant pressure on Dendrolagus ursinus. Despite their remote, mountainous habitat, they are still actively targeted by some communities for bushmeat. As the species is solitary and slow-moving on the ground, they are vulnerable to hunters, especially in areas where hunting traditions persist or where economic hardship has increased reliance on wild animals for protein.

• Habitat loss due to forest clearance for palm oil agriculture

Much of the Vogelkop and Fakfak regions are undergoing rapid transformation, as forests are cleared to create farmland for crops and livestock. Shifting cultivation and permanent clearing for cash crops reduce available habitat and fragment populations. This not only restricts the tree kangaroo’s range but also increases encounters with humans, raising the risk of hunting.

• Palm oil expansion and timber logging

Although industrial-scale plantations are less established in the highlands, out-of-control palm oil operations are expanding in West Papua. Lowland deforestation pushes communities and agriculture further upslope into montane forests—the last refuges of species like the Vogelkop Tree Kangaroo. Logging, both legal and illegal, further degrades these habitats and opens access routes for hunters and poachers.

• Historical disappearance from more densely populated areas

The species has already vanished from parts of the Arfak Mountains, where growing human populations and increased land conversion have left little viable forest. This historical range contraction is an ominous sign, showing how even highland refuges are no longer safe. Without urgent intervention, similar disappearances could occur elsewhere in their remaining range.

Take Action!

Help protect the Vogelkop Tree Kangaroo by refusing to buy products made with palm oil, advocating for forest protection in West Papua, and supporting indigenous-led agroecology initiatives. Demand an end to deforestation driven by agriculture and logging. Speak up for Vogelkop Tree Kangaroos of the cloud forests and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #BoycottMeat

FAQs

How many Vogelkop Tree Kangaroos are left?

No formal population estimates exist, but the IUCN notes a suspected 30% population decline over the past three generations (roughly 30 years) due to hunting and habitat loss. The species now survives mostly in mountainous areas, having disappeared from the lowlands.

Are they the same as the Black Tree Kangaroo?

Yes. Dendrolagus ursinus is also known as the Black Tree Kangaroo, Ursine Tree Kangaroo, or Vogelkop Tree Kangaroo. These names refer to the same species, which is distinguished by their dark fur and limited range in northwestern New Guinea.

What makes Vogelkop Tree Kangaroos different from other tree kangaroos?

Genetic studies reveal that Dendrolagus ursinus represents one of five distinct evolutionary lineages within New Guinea’s tree kangaroos. Their thick black coat, tufted ears, and unique geographic isolation make them one of the most distinctive—and mysterious—members of the Dendrolagus genus (Eldridge et al., 2018).

Is it true Vogelkop Tree Kangaroos live in protected areas?

Some of their range may overlap with remote protected forests, but enforcement is minimal. Without community-led efforts to protect habitat and reduce hunting pressure, even these areas may not be enough to ensure the species’ survival.

Further Information

Eldridge, M. D. B., Potter, S., Helgen, K. M., Sinaga, M. H., Aplin, K. P., Flannery, T. F., & Johnson, R. N. (2018). Phylogenetic analysis of the tree-kangaroos (Dendrolagus) reveals multiple divergent lineages within New Guinea. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 127, 589–599. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2018.05.030

Leary, T., Seri, L., Wright, D., Hamilton, S., Helgen, K., Singadan, R., Menzies, J., Allison, A., James, R., Dickman, C., Aplin, K., Salas, L., Flannery, T. & Bonaccorso, F. 2016. Dendrolagus ursinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T6434A21956516. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T6434A21956516.en. Downloaded on 26 January 2021.

Flannery, T., Martin, R., & Szalay, A. (1996). Tree Kangaroos: A Curious Natural History. Reed Books.

Tenkile Conservation Alliance. (2024). Vogelkop Tree Kangaroo. Retrieved March 22, 2025, from https://tenkile.com/vogelkop-tree-kangaroo/

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Ursine tree-kangaroo. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 22, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursine_tree-kangaroo

You can support the conservation of this animal:

Tenkile Conservation Alliance

Vogelkop Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus ursinus

How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?

Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez

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Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings

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Health Physician Dr Evan Allen

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The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert

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How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy

Read more

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20

https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20

https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

Pledge your support

#Boycott4wildlife #BoycottMeat #BoycottPalmOil #deforestation #Dendrolagus #ecocide #EndangeredSpecies #forests #herbivores #hunting #Indonesia #kangaroo #Kangaroos #Macropod #Mammal #Marsupial #marsupials #palmoil #Papua #PapuaNewGuineaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #PapuaNewGuinea #timber #TreeKangaroo #treekangaroos #vegan #VogelkopTreeKangarooDendrolagusUrsinus #vulnerable #WestPapua #WestPapua

Vogelkop Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus ursinus by Chien C LeeVogelkop Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus ursinusVogelkop Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus ursinus boycott palm oilVogelkop Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus ursinus by Stefan Hage
Forest Fernforestfern
2025-10-28

A opossum has taken up residence below the deck. I've seen him/her for a few months now. First, searching the front yard, then, backyard for food, & now, spending each night ON the deck.

Tonight, the opossum came right to the patio door, sniffing away, so I got down on my knees & knocked on the glass. We were nose to nose & he/she didn't care.

Lack of fear in . Is that a problem like it is for raccoons? As in rabies?


2025-10-27
David de Grootdavid@theblower.au
2025-10-22

Only another hour or so of World Wombat Day, so I'd better post a wombat.

#WorldWombatDay #wombat #marsupial

2025-10-22

As it's World Wombat Day, here's my best ever photo taken at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, January 2024. Mum and Baby Wombat.

#Tasmania #lutruwita #Wombat #WombatDay #marsupial

Mother and baby wombat grazing on tufty grass. The Mother is brown while the baby is grey with some hints of brown just showing
2025-10-20

Saw our first Krefft's Glider (*Petaurus notatus*, close cousin to the Sugar Glider) tonight. So darn cute! K spotted it landing in a tree near our camp just after sunset, so with me handling the utterly inadequate torch and her handling the camera (she has no flash), it was photo-op time.

#Australia #Animals #Marsupial #Possum #KrefftsGlider

A photograph taken after sunset of a tiny possum in a eucalyptus tree. The possum is a Krefft's Glider, a close cousin to the Sugar Glider. They are grey, with black striping on the head and partly down the back. The fur is quite thick, with a white underbelly. The tail is also thickly furred, mostly grey with a black last half. Their eyes are large and black, and they have a tiny pink nose. They are small enough to fit curled up in an adult person's hand.

This little one was caught just after munching on an insect and looks a bit startled. You can see their tiny hands with opposable thumbs. They're more than cute enough to take over the world, if only they could find someone who would take them seriously.
2024-07-04

Encountering the World’s Most Endangered Kangaroo: The Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo

Encountering the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo, the world’s most endangered kangaroo, in West Papua’s lush forests is a bittersweet tale. Rediscovered in 2018 by British botanist Michael Smith, this rarest kangaroo, with soulful eyes and burnt umber fur, symbolises tranquillity amidst severe threats like palm oil deforestation and hunting. Less than 50 kangaroos remain alive, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts prioritising indigenous sovereignty. To help save these remarkable creatures, join the #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife and take action via this website.

The rediscovery of the rarest #kangaroo alive the Wondiwoi kangaroo in #WestPapua 🌿is bittersweet as they were previously thought to be #extinct 🙀learn about their rare beauty 😍🦘 and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife ✊🌿 @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-8yg

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The Wondiwoi tree #kangaroo 🦘🌿 is the most endangered kangaroo alive due to #palmoil #deforestation 🪔🌴 and hunting across their range of #WestPapua. Take action to help these wide-eyed beauties #Boycottpalmoil 👎 #Boycott4Wildlife 🚫 @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-8yg

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https://youtu.be/1pzwtverGhU

A Bittersweet Rediscovery of the Rarest Kangaroo Alive

In the dense, emerald heart of the Wondiwoi Mountains, in West Papua the trees echo with the haunting refrains of the vogelkop superb bird-of-paradise. Underfoot, the ground is soggy and dense with mossy herbaceous fragrances and the scuttling of an eastern long-beaked echidna as she burrows into her subterranean domain. In 2018, an extraordinary moment was captured forever on camera in 2018. High in the treetops, amidst the thick moss-covered branches, a shy Wondiwoi tree kangaroo lay in quiet repose, a symbol of sturdy, plump beauty. This creature was believed to be extinct for nearly a century. Yet a chance encounter by British amateur botanist Michael Smith in 2018 has thrust this creature back into the spotlight.

Wondiwoi tree kangaroos Dendrolagus mayri have an odd combination of kangaroo and monkey qualities. Large and soulful eyes blink from behind long eyelashes and thickly furred paddle-like arms culminate in strong sharp claws fit for grasping tree branches. Their bodies are the colour of burnt umber and terracotta and embody the tranquillity of Papua’s majestic montane forests where they blend into the painter’s palette of the jungle.

Smith’s serendipitous discovery of Wondiwoi tree kangaroos, known as the world’s rarest and most endangered kangaroo, highlights their precarious existence due to human-related threats like palm oil deforestation, rare mineral mining and hunting throughout their range.

A Journey Fuelled by Passion and Curiosity

Michael Smith is an amateur botanist from England. He spends a lot of his free time traversing remote locations like Indonesia, Pakistan and Kurdistan in the faint hope of encountering the rarest species on earth.

“I want these animals to be the poster children for seriously threatened and ancient habitats. I’m trying to get evidence of something interesting – and in terms of getting people involved and excited about conservation, it seems to be effective.”

Michael Smith, interview in the Guardian, 2023.

He understands that time is of the essence to save these animals and many others from the relentless growth of palm oil deforestation.

It’s hard to know if things will change fast enough for there to be anything left. In the 1990s, Papua New Guinea was just a big forest, with a few people. Now it’s still 80% or 90% forest, but there is huge pressure from people and investors who want to make palm oil.” 

Michael Smith, interview in the Guardian, 2023.

The Enigmatic Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo

The bittersweet rediscovery of the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo underscores their gravely precarious position as the rarest kangaroo in the world. Originally they were discovered in 1928 by Ernst Mayer and known only by a single specimen. Papuan non-profit Tenkile Conservation Alliance estimates that less than 50 individuals remain alive.

The Wondiwoi tree kangaroo’s habitat is under severe threat from palm oil deforestation and the extraction of rare minerals such as mica and gold. The forests of West Papua, once a haven for diverse wildlife, are being decimated in silence.

The Guardians of the Forest

The survival of the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo is intricately linked to the sovereignty, and land stewardship of the Papuan indigenous peoples. Their deep spiritual and ancestral connection to the land and its human and more-than-human inhabitants stands in stark contrast to the destructive policies of the colonialist Indonesian government. Conservation efforts must prioritise indigenous rights and knowledge, recognising that true protection of these animals lies in the hands of those who have lived in harmony with the forest for many millennia.

Tenkile Conservation Alliance have a range of programmes helping indigenous peoples to understand the importance of conserving rather than hunting tree kangaroos and providing them with ways to harvest alternative sources of food. They have developed tree kangaroo hunting moratoriums as well alongside village communities.

The Jungle Kingdom of Dendrolagus: Tree Kangaroos

The genus Dendrolagus, more enchantingly known as tree kangaroos, embody arboreal grace and irresistible chubby cuteness. These marsupials are lesser known than their iconic ground-dwelling cousins further south in Australia and possess a range of distinctive traits making them masters of the jungle canopy.

Their exceptionally long, pendulous tails act as elegant counterbalances, helping with every leap and bound. Strong forelimbs, paired with shorter and broader hind feet, provide them with superior strength and agility. Long curved claws and spongy paws enhance grip, like natural bouldering shoes, allowing them to climb and cling effortlessly to branches.

Females possess a forward-opening pouch (marsupium) containing four teats. These provide a nurturing haven for their developing young. Their teeth are adapted for shearing leaves, reveal their dietary preference for the verdant foliage of the treetops.

The almost ‘bears’ and barely there Dendrolagus genus:

Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus goodfellowi

Taking Action: How You Can Help

Take action by using your wallet as a weapon#Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife

The rediscovery of the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo underscores the urgent need for consumer action. Here’s how you can make a difference:

  1. Boycott Palm Oil: Reject RSPO greenwashing and avoid products containing “sustainable” palm oil. Use your purchasing power to demand palm oil free in the supermarket. Join the #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife movement on social media.
  2. Raise Awareness: Share posts on social media and engage in supermarket sleuthing to expose brands that use palm oil. Highlight the ongoing deforestation and animal cruelty.
  3. Support Indigenous Sovereignty: Advocate for the rights and sovereignty of Papuan indigenous peoples, recognising their crucial role in conserving rainforest habitats and as guardians of rare species.
  4. Donate: Support the ongoing advocacy of Palm Oil Detectives and the non-profit Tenkile Conservation Alliance, who work tirelessly to protect indigenous peoples, endangered species and their environments.
  5. Get Involved: Participate in local and global conservation efforts. Whether through social media activism, community education, or direct action, every effort counts.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo and other endangered species in Papua have a fighting chance to survive and thrive.

The fight to protect the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo is a testament to the resilience of nature and the enduring spirit of people all over the world who strive to safeguard it. Together, we can shine a light on the darkness of deforestation and exploitation, ensuring a brighter future for these remarkable creatures and their forest home.

Further Reading

Pickrell, J. (2018). Rare Wondiwoi tree kangaroo rediscovered. National Geographic. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/rare-wondiwoi-tree-kangaroo-discovered-mammals-animals

IUCN. (2015). Dendrolagus mayri. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/136668/21956785#assessment-information

Tenkile Conservation Alliance. (n.d.). Wondiwoi tree kangaroo. Retrieved from http://www.tenkile.com/wondiwoi-tree-kangaroo.html

Smith, M. (2024, January 10). I discovered a tree kangaroo that had only been seen once – by the man who shot it in 1928. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/10/i-discovered-tree-kangaroo-only-seen-once-1928-aoe

Palm Oil Detectives. (2021, February 3). Doria’s Tree Kangaroo. Retrieved from https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/dorias-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-dorianus/

Palm Oil Detectives. (2021, February 3). Lowlands Tree Kangaroo. Retrieved from https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/lowlands-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-spadix/

Palm Oil Detectives. (2021, January 31). Ifola. Retrieved from https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/ifola-dendrolagus-notatus/

Palm Oil Detectives. (2021, January 26). Tenkile. Retrieved from https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/26/tenkile-dendrolagus-scottae/

Palm Oil Detectives. (2021, January 26). Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroo. Retrieved from https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/26/golden-mantled-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-pulcherrimus/

Palm Oil Detectives. (2021, January 26). Vogelkop Tree Kangaroo. Retrieved from https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/26/vogelkop-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-ursinus/

Palm Oil Detectives. (2021, January 26). Huon Tree Kangaroo. Retrieved from https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/26/huon-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-matschiei/

Palm Oil Detectives. (2021, January 26). Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo. Retrieved from https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/26/goodfellows-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-goodfellowi/

Palm Oil Detectives. (2021, February 3). Grizzled Tree Kangaroo. Retrieved from https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/grizzled-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-inustus/

Image credits: Peter Schouten Illustration, Greenpeace, Craig Jones Wildlife Photography, Khlongwangchao and Michael Smith.

ENDS

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Learn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing

Read more about RSPO greenwashing

Lying Fake labels Indigenous Land-grabbing Human rights abuses Deforestation Human health hazards

A 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)

Read more

Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

✓ Subscribed

2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez

Read more

Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings

Read more

Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao

Read more

Health Physician Dr Evan Allen

Read more

The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert

Read more

How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy

Read more

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20

https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20

https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

Pledge your support

#animals #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #CriticallyEndangeredSpecies #deforestation #extinct #hunting #indigenousRights #kangaroo #Mammal #Marsupial #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #palmoil #PapuaNewGuinea #slavery #WestPapua #WestPapua #WondiwoiTreeKangarooDendrolagusMayri

Encountering the World's Most Endangered Kangaroo: The Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo | Illustration Peter SchoutenEncountering the World's Most Endangered Kangaroo: The Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo | Photo: Michael SmithEncountering the World's Most Endangered Kangaroo: The Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo | Rothschild and Dollman monograph 1936Encountering the World's Most Endangered Kangaroo: The Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo | Illustration Peter Schouten
Charring Auhcharring58
2025-10-17

displayed to your right are all related so you might not expect to find them living oceans apart but they live in both australia and South America did marsupia cross the oceans

#marsupial displayed to your right are all related so you might not expect to find them living oceans apart but they live in both australia and South America did marsupia cross the oceans
2021-01-26

Telefomin Cuscus Phalanger matanim

Telefomin Cuscus Phalanger matanim

Critically Endangered

Locations: Papua New Guinea

The Telefomin Cuscus is a critically endangered marsupial, found exclusively in the montane forests of Papua New Guinea’s Nong River Valley. Known to the indigenous Telefol people for several millennia, this species was formally described by scientists in 1985.

The Telefomin Cuscus faces an uncertain future due to habitat destruction for palm oil and gold mining in Papua, along with climate change. Some experts fear they may already be extinct. Fight for their survival each time you shop by boycotting products linked to deforestation and supporting the #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife movement.

Experts fear these precious animals may already be extinct, less than 50 remain alive due to #goldmining and #palmoil. Help protect the enchanting Telefomin #Cuscus from disappearing forever when u #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-nv

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Fuzzy haired, gentle-natured Telefomin Cuscus are one of the rarest #possums alive. Just a few dozen remain in #PapuaNewGuinea’s Nong River Valley. Fight for them and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-nv

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Appearance and Behaviour

The Telefomin Cuscus is a medium-sized, nocturnal marsupial with dense, woolly fur that provides insulation in its cool, high-altitude habitat. Their fur is grey to brown, helping them blend into the forest canopy. They are arboreal, relying on strong limbs and a prehensile tail to navigate the treetops.

Known for their elusive nature, these cuscuses are primarily solitary and spend much of their time hiding in dense vegetation. As nocturnal animals, they forage at night, avoiding potential predators.

Geographic Range

The Telefomin Cuscus is known to inhabit the areas of Telefomin and Tifalmin in Papua New Guinea. They may also exist further northeast or west of these collection areas.

The only confirmed location of their range was largely destroyed by a fire in 1998, caused by a drought during an El Niño event. This catastrophic habitat loss has contributed significantly to their critical conservation status.

Diet

More research is needed on this animal to confirm their dietary needs. The Telefomin Cuscus likely feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers, making them important contributors to seed dispersal within their montane forest ecosystem. Their diet reflects their arboreal nature, relying on the rich vegetation of the canopy.

Reproduction and Mating

There is little information about the reproductive habits of the Telefomin Cuscus. Like other marsupials, females likely give birth to underdeveloped young, which complete their development in the mother’s pouch. Research is urgently needed to understand their breeding patterns and population dynamics.

Threats

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct)

Deforestation for palm oil and gold mining: Gold mining and palm oil deforestation are ongoing threats to their survival.

Climate Change: Severe and unprecedented weather patterns pose ongoing threats to their montane forest habitat. The habitat of this species was completely destroyed by fire in the 1998 El Niño event.

Extremely Limited Range: With a habitat restricted to one small area, they are highly vulnerable to localised threats.

Human encroachment and hunting: This species is threatened by local hunting for food and loss of suitable habitat through human encroachment.

Conservation Status

The Telefomin Cuscus is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Despite recent efforts, no confirmed sightings have occurred in decades, raising fears of extinction. Conservation measures should focus on habitat restoration and climate resilience to preserve this species.

Take Action!

Protect the Telefomin Cuscus by boycotting products linked to deforestation, such as palm oil. Use your wallet as a weapon to support eco-friendly choices and conservation efforts. Join the #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife movements to fight for their survival.

This species is threatened by local hunting for food and loss of suitable habitat through human encroachment.

IUCN Red List

Further Information

Leary, T., Seri, L., Flannery, T., Wright, D., Hamilton, S., Helgen, K., Singadan, R., Menzies, J., Allison, A., James, R., Salas, L. & Dickman, C. 2016. Phalanger matanim. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T16851A21950802. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T16851A21950802.en. Downloaded on 26 January 2021.

Recently Extinct Species. (n.d.). Phalanger matanim. Retrieved from Recently Extinct Species.

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Telefomin Cuscus. Retrieved from Wikipedia.

Telefomin Cuscus Phalanger matanim

How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?

Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez

Read more

Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings

Read more

Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao

Read more

Health Physician Dr Evan Allen

Read more

The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert

Read more

How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy

Read more

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20

https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20

https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

Pledge your support

#Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #CriticallyEndangeredSpecies #cuscus #cuscuses #goldmining #Indonesia #Mammal #Marsupial #palmoil #PapuaNewGuineaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #PapuaNewGuinea #possum #possums #Primate #TelefominCuscusPhalangerMatanim

Telefomin Cuscus halanger matanimiucn-rating-critically-endangered
2021-02-03

Lowlands Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus spadix

Lowlands Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus spadix

IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Location: The Lowlands Tree Kangaroo is native to Papua New Guinea, found in the limestone karst forests of the Gulf and Western provinces. These dense, humid jungles are difficult to traverse, providing a natural refuge for this elusive species. However, increased human access due to roads and logging threatens their survival.

The Lowlands Tree #Kangaroo Dendrolagus spadix is a #Vulnerable species endemic to the forests of #PapuaNewGuinea. Unlike their ground-dwelling relatives, they are agile climbers, leaping through lush rainforest canopies with ease despite their bulky size. However, their survival is in peril due to widespread #deforestation driven by #palmoil plantations, #timber logging, and expansion of #roads, which has led to habitat destruction and increased #hunting pressures. If urgent action is not taken, this unique species faces further decline. Take action and resist for this species every time you shop and go #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket.

The Lowlands #TreeKangaroo 🦘🤎 is a #vulnerable #marsupial of #PapuaNewGuinea’s rainforests 🌳🇵🇬 threatened by #PalmOil, #mining #deforestation and #hunting. Help them to survive when you shop #BoycottPalmOil 🌴☠️🔥🧐🙊⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/lowlands-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-spadix/

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Despite their chunky size, Lowlands Tree #Kangaroos 🦘 are able to leap many metres. They’re #vulnerable due to #palmoil and #hunting in #PapuaNewGuinea. Fight for them when you shop, go #PalmOilFree and #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🚫#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/lowlands-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-spadix/

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Appearance & Behaviour

The Lowlands Tree Kangaroo is a striking, muscular marsupial with a dense coat of rich auburn, fading to golden hues on their belly and limbs. Unlike their ground-dwelling kangaroo relatives, they are built for life in the treetops, with stocky limbs, powerful claws, and an impressively long tail used for balance.

Watching a Lowlands Tree Kangaroo move is a surreal experience. On the ground, they amble in an almost bear-like gait, placing one foot in front of the other in a slow, deliberate waddle. Yet, when they climb, they transform into graceful acrobats, using their strong forelimbs to hoist themselves into the canopy with surprising ease. Despite their bulky build, they can leap remarkable distances between branches, navigating the dense jungle with grace.

Appearance & Behaviour

Largely solitary, these secretive tree-dwellers emerge at dusk to forage, preferring the cool, shadowy undergrowth or the safety of high branches. Their excellent camouflage and quiet nature make them incredibly difficult to spot in the wild.

Diet

The Lowlands Tree Kangaroo is a dedicated folivore, primarily feasting on a variety of leaves, fruits, flowers, and occasionally fungi. Their slow metabolism allows them to extract maximum nutrition from their fibrous diet. However, their reliance on specific plants means that large-scale deforestation can have devastating consequences, cutting off vital food sources.

Logging and land clearing for palm oil plantations pose a severe threat by destroying primary forests and forcing these marsupials into fragmented, less suitable habitats.

Reproduction & Mating

The Lowlands Tree Kangaroo has a slow reproductive rate, with females typically giving birth to a single tiny, jellybean-sized joey. This vulnerable newborn crawls into their mother’s pouch, where they remain hidden for several months. Even after emerging, the joey clings to their mother’s back for up to a year, learning essential survival skills before venturing out on their own.

This slow, careful nurturing process makes the species highly vulnerable to population declines. When individuals are lost due to hunting or habitat destruction, it takes a long time for their numbers to recover.

Threats

Deforestation & Habitat Loss

The Lowlands Tree Kangaroo’s biggest threat is habitat destruction caused by industrial logging and land clearing. A staggering 75% of their range is now covered by logging concessions, leading to habitat fragmentation and food shortages (IUCN, 2016).

Palm Oil & Infrastructure Development

The expansion of palm oil plantations is devastating for the species, as vast stretches of forest are cleared for monoculture crops. New roads built for logging and petroleum extraction have also opened up previously inaccessible regions, leading to increased human encroachment.

Hunting & Increased Human Access

Traditionally, hunting of the Lowlands Tree Kangaroo was limited due to the rugged and remote nature of their habitat. However, as roads now cut into once-inaccessible forests, hunting pressure has escalated. While local communities have long relied on the species as a food source, increased access has made hunting more widespread and unsustainable.

FAQs

Where do Lowlands Tree Kangaroos live?

The Lowlands Tree Kangaroo is native to Papua New Guinea, specifically found in the limestone karst forests of the Gulf and Western provinces. These forests are rugged and remote, providing some protection from human encroachment, though logging and road expansion are rapidly changing their habitat.

Why are Lowlands Tree Kangaroos endangered?

They are classified as Vulnerable due to habitat destruction, hunting, and increased human access to their previously isolated range. Over 75% of their habitat is now covered by logging and palm oil concessions, and road construction has led to an increase in hunting pressure. Palm oil plantations also contribute to large-scale deforestation, further reducing their numbers (IUCN, 2016).

What do Lowlands Tree Kangaroos eat?

Their diet consists mainly of leaves, fruits, flowers, and occasionally fungi. They rely on a slow metabolism to extract nutrients from fibrous plants, meaning they are particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction that removes key food sources.

Are Lowlands Tree Kangaroos social animals?

No, they are primarily solitary. Unlike ground-dwelling kangaroos, they do not form large groups. They prefer to navigate the dense rainforest canopy alone, only coming together briefly for mating.

Do they move like regular kangaroos?

In some ways they do, but in other ways they don’t. While ground-dwelling kangaroos hop over long distances on the ground, Lowlands Tree Kangaroos move in a slow, deliberate manner, placing one foot in front of the other, much like a bear. In trees, however, they are surprisingly agile, using their strong limbs to grip to tree branches and their long tails and strong legs to leap between branches. They are able to leap several metres at a time between tree canopies and can descend from trees up to 20 metres without injury.

Are Lowlands Tree Kangaroos hunted?

Yes, they are traditionally hunted by local communities for food. However, this was historically sustainable due to the remote nature of their habitat. Now, with new roads making hunting easier, populations are at risk of decline.

How does palm oil deforestation affect them?

Palm oil plantations are a major driver of deforestation in Papua New Guinea, destroying vast areas of rainforest. As the trees are cleared, Lowlands Tree Kangaroos lose their food sources and shelter, forcing them into smaller, fragmented habitats where they are more vulnerable to hunting and other threats.

How long do baby Lowlands Tree Kangaroos stay with their mothers?

Joeys stay in their mother’s pouch for several months before emerging. Even after leaving the pouch, they cling to their mother’s back and remain dependent on her for nearly a year. This slow reproductive cycle makes population recovery difficult if too many individuals are lost.

What can be done to protect them?

  • Boycott products containing palm oil, which is a major threat to their continued existence.
  • Support indigenous land rights, as traditional landowners help protect these forests.
  • • Donate to conservation groups working to protect Papua New Guinea’s forests such as Tenkile.
  • • Raise awareness by sharing information about the threats they face.

Are tree kangaroos protected by law?

While tree kangaroos are recognised as vulnerable species, weak enforcement of conservation laws in Papua New Guinea and the expansion of industrial projects continue to put them at risk. Conservation efforts must focus on habitat protection and stronger regulations against deforestation and hunting.

How can I help tree kangaroos from home?

  • Always choose products that are 100% palm oil-free to avoid contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss.
  • Spread awareness on social media using hashtags like #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife.
  • Support conservation projects that work to protect Papua New Guinea’s forests and wildlife.

Take Action!

The survival of the Lowlands Tree Kangaroo depends on urgent conservation action. You can help by:

  • Boycotting palm oil products and choosing brands that do not contribute to deforestation.
  • Advocating for indigenous land rights, as traditional landowners play a key role in protecting these forests.
  • Supporting conservation organisations that fight against logging and land conversion in Papua New Guinea.
  • Raising awareness about the threats facing the Lowlands Tree Kangaroo by sharing information on social media using the hashtags #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

You can support the conservation of this animal:

Tenkile Conservation Alliance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WAiBl_b2cE

There are now logging concessions over almost 75% of the species inferred range. There has presumably been significant habitat disturbance and reduction in habitat quality as a result of logging

IUCN Red List

Further Information

Leary, T., Seri, L., Wright, D., Hamilton, S., Helgen, K., Singadan, R., Menzies, J., Allison, A., James, R., Dickman, C., Aplin, K., Salas, L., Flannery, T. & Bonaccorso, F. 2016. Dendrolagus spadix. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T6436A21956250. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T6436A21956250.en. Downloaded on 03 February 2021.

McGreevy, T. J., Dabek, L., & Husband, T. P. (2011). Tree kangaroo molecular systematics based on partial cytochrome b sequences: are Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) and Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo (D. goodfellowi buergersi) sister taxa? Australian Mammalogy, 34(1), 18-28. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM10017

You can support the conservation of this animal:

Tenkile Conservation Alliance

Lowlands Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus spadix

How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?

Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

✓ Subscribed

2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez

Read more

Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings

Read more

Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao

Read more

Health Physician Dr Evan Allen

Read more

The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert

Read more

How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy

Read more

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20

https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20

https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

Pledge your support

#Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #deforestation #hunting #Indonesia #kangaroo #Kangaroos #LowlandsTreeKangarooDendrolagusSpadix #Macropod #Mammal #Marsupial #mining #palmoil #palmoilfree #PapuaNewGuineaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #PapuaNewGuinea #roads #timber #TreeKangaroo #vulnerable #VulnerableSpecies

Lowlands Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus spadixLowlands Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus spadixIUCN Rating vulnerableLowlands Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus spadix
2021-01-26

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus pulcherrimus

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus pulcherrimus

Red List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: Papua New Guinea (Torricelli Range), West Papua (Foja Mountains)

In the misty cloud forests of New Guinea’s mountains, where ancient trees emerge from perpetual fog and birdsong echoes through emerald canopies, Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos move with quiet grace through their vanishing world.

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos are one of the world’s rarest marsupials. Rarely glimpsed in the wild, their distinctive chestnut coats are adorned with golden stripes. These remarkable climbing kangaroos have suffered a catastrophic 90% population decline over three generations, leaving fewer than 500 individuals clinging on for survival in two remote mountain ranges. Palm oil expansion strips away their ancient forest homes while hunting pressure decimates remaining populations. The Tenkile Conservation Alliance protects the Torricelli population through community-based conservation, offering hope for recovery. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Golden-mantled Tree #Kangaroos 🦘🤎 are critically endangered #marsupials of #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 They’re on the edge of #extinction from #palmoil #deforestation and #hunting. Resist for them and #Boycottpalmoil 🌴☠️🤮🙊⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/26/golden-mantled-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-pulcherrimus/

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Appearance and behaviour

The lowland areas of their distribution are earmarked for deforestation and oil palm expansion.

IUCN Red List

These resilient Tree Kangaroos display the physiological adaptations of arboreal marsupials with chestnut-brown coats, pale bellies, and distinctive double golden stripes running down their backs. Their yellowish necks, cheeks, and feet create a striking contrast against their darker fur, while their powerful tails marked with pale rings provide essential balance during canopy travel. These compact marsupials measure 40-77 centimetres in body length with tails reaching 40-87 centimetres.

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos possess powerful forelimbs and curved claws perfectly adapted for gripping bark and branches. Their shorter hind legs allow independent movement essential for navigating complex three-dimensional forest environments. Unlike ground kangaroos, these arboreal specialists can move both forwards and backwards along branches, using their long tails as fifth limbs for stability and balance.

Diet

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos are primarily folivorous, feeding on leaves from dozens of plant species found throughout their montane forest habitat. They supplement their diet with seasonal fruits, herbs, and sedges, spending considerable time foraging both in trees and on the forest floor. These selective feeders prefer young leaves and shoots from specific plant species, making them vulnerable when preferred food sources disappear.

Their feeding behaviour includes both arboreal and terrestrial foraging, with Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos descending to ground level to access fallen fruits and herbs. This dietary flexibility has allowed them to persist in their restricted mountain habitats, though their dependence on specific plant species makes them particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion and fragmentation.

Reproduction and mating

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos reach sexual maturity at approximately two years of age with no defined breeding season. Females have an oestrous cycle estimated at 54 days with a gestation period of about 45 days. Once born, the tiny joey remains in the mother’s pouch for 10 months before emerging to spend another 2-3 months at foot, learning essential climbing and foraging skills.

These marsupials live relatively long lives, with captive individuals surviving over 14 years, suggesting wild Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos could live 8-10 years under optimal conditions. Their extended dependency period reflects the complex skills required for arboreal survival, with mothers teaching joeys essential climbing techniques and food recognition during their extended care period.

Geographic Range

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos now survive in only two isolated mountain ranges across New Guinea. The Torricelli Range population in Papua New Guinea extends from Weight to Kuliek, while a smaller population persists in West Papua’s Foja Mountains. Fossil records indicate they once ranged across the Vogelkop Peninsula and other areas, but have been extirpated from 99% of their historical range.

Unconfirmed sightings from Papua New Guinea’s Prince Alexander Range suggest possible remnant populations, though these require verification. Their extremely restricted range of just 300 square kilometres makes Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos particularly vulnerable to local extinctions from habitat loss, hunting, or natural disasters.

Threats

Industrial palm oil deforestation

Palm oil companies systematically bulldoze and burn Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroo habitat across West Papua, replacing mid-montane rainforests with lifeless monocultures. Korean company Korindo has destroyed 11,700 hectares of pristine rainforest in recent years, eliminating the complex canopy structure these arboreal marsupials require for survival. The company burns forests illegally, knowing this practice destroys critical habitat for tree kangaroos, birds of paradise, and cassowaries. Palm oil expansion has eliminated lowland portions of their range entirely, forcing Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos into higher elevation refuges. Plantation development fragments the continuous forest cover essential for these territorial animals, creating isolated patches too small to support viable populations.

Hunting for bushmeat

Local communities hunt Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos for subsistence protein, targeting them with guns during opportunistic forest expeditions. Hunting pressure intensifies near human settlements where access improves through road development and infrastructure expansion. The species’ small group sizes and territorial nature make them particularly vulnerable to hunting pressure, with entire local populations eliminated through intensive harvesting.

Infrastructure and road projects

Road construction opens previously inaccessible mountain areas to human exploitation, bringing hunting pressure and habitat disturbance into formerly secure territories. Small-scale agriculture eliminates forest understory vegetation while creating edge effects that degrade remaining habitat quality. The conversion of traditional forest management systems to intensive agriculture removes the ecological balance that historically supported both human communities and wildlife populations.

Take Action!

Use your wallet as a weapon and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop. Adopt a vegan lifestyle protecting both wild and farmed animals from agricultural expansion. Support the Tenkile Conservation Alliance’s community-based protection programmes recognising indigenous land rights. Refuse products containing palm oil, as this is driving Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos towards extinction. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan

FAQs

How do Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos climb trees?

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos have powerful forelimbs with curved claws that grip bark securely, while their shorter hind legs allow independent movement essential for navigating branches. They possess strong grips on their paws and foot soles providing non-slip traction when climbing. Their long tails act as fifth limbs, pressing against tree trunks for balance and stability during movement.

What do Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos eat?

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves from 91 known plant species, seasonal fruits, herbs, and sedges found in their montane forest habitat. They spend considerable time foraging both in trees and on the forest floor, preferring young leaves and shoots from specific plant species. Some sources suggest they occasionally consume young birds and bird eggs, though their diet consists predominantly of plant matter. Their selective feeding habits make them vulnerable when preferred food sources disappear due to habitat conversion or climate change.

How long do Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos live?

In the wild, they typically live approximately 8-10 years, though current threats including hunting and habitat destruction may be reducing average lifespans. Captive individuals have survived over 14 years, suggesting they have potential for longer lifespans when protected from human pressures. Their generation length is approximately 10 years, indicating they reach reproductive maturity relatively late compared to smaller marsupials.

How big are Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos?

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos measure 40-77 centimetres in body length with tails reaching 40-87 centimetres, making them substantially smaller than ground kangaroos. They weigh approximately 15.5 kilograms, a relatively light build essential for their arboreal lifestyle where they must be supported by tree branches. Both males and females are similar in size, showing less sexual dimorphism than many other kangaroo species.

Why are Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos endangered?

Tragically, these tree kangaroos have experienced a catastrophic 90% population decline over three generations due to palm oil deforestation and hunting pressure. Palm oil companies have destroyed 99% of their historical habitat, replacing mid-montane rainforests with monoculture plantations offering no food or shelter. Hunting for bushmeat provides essential protein for local communities but removes breeding individuals from critically small populations. Their extremely restricted range of just 300 square kilometres makes them vulnerable to local extinctions, while habitat fragmentation prevents genetic exchange between isolated populations.

Can Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos jump?

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroos are capable jumpers, able to leap distances of up to 9 metres between trees and drop up to 18 metres to the forest floor without injury. They can climb heights equivalent to a 10-storey building, using their powerful hind legs and long tails for balance during aerial manoeuvres. Their jumping ability allows them to navigate between the treetops without descending to the dangerous ground level where predators pose greater threats. Their remarkable leaping capacity is essential for accessing food sources and escaping danger in their three-dimensional forest environment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WAiBl_b2cE

Further Information

Eldridge, M. D. B., Potter, S., Helgen, K. M., Sinaga, M. H., Aplin, K. P., Flannery, T. F., & Johnson, R. N. (2018). Phylogenetic analysis of the tree-kangaroos (Dendrolagus) reveals multiple divergent lineages within New Guinea. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 127, 589-599. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2018.05.030

Flannery, T. F. (1993). Taxonomy of Dendrolagus goodfellowi with description of a new subspecies. Records of the Australian Museum, 45(1), 33-42.

Leary, T., Wright, D., Hamilton, S., Helgen, K., Singadan, R., Aplin, K., … & Seri, L. (2016). Dendrolagus pulcherrimus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T136696A21957219.

Porolak, G., Dabek, L., & Krockenberger, A. K. (2014). Ranging behaviour of tree kangaroos in upper montane forest. PLoS ONE, 9(4), e91870.

Leary, T., Wright, D., Hamilton, S., Helgen, K., Singadan, R., Aplin, K., Dickman, C., Salas, L., Flannery, T., Martin, R. & Seri, L. 2016. Dendrolagus pulcherrimus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T136696A21957219. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T136696A21957219.en. Downloaded on 26 January 2021.

You can support the conservation of this animal:

Tenkile Conservation Alliance

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus pulcherrimus

How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?

Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

✓ Subscribed

2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

Wildlife Artist Juanchi Pérez

Read more

Mel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings

Read more

Anthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao

Read more

Health Physician Dr Evan Allen

Read more

The World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert

Read more

How do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy

Read more

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20

https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20

https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

Pledge your support

#Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #CriticallyEndangeredSpecies #deforestation #Dendrolagus #extinction #ForgottenAnimals #GoldenMantledTreeKangarooDendrolagusPulcherrimus #hunting #Indonesia #Kangaroos #Macropod #Mammal #mammals #Marsupial #marsupials #palmoil #PapuaNewGuinea #PapuaNewGuineaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #PapuaNewGuinea #TreeKangaroo #treekangaroos #vegan #WestPapua #WestPapua

Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus pulcherrimusiucn-rating-critically-endangered
Audubon Ballroon (he/him)audubonballroon
2025-10-03

@bigmanjerro1, a Black King shared the video below.

duck billed platypus

2025-09-27

Detox Doodles!

This is a habit of drawing every time I feel the urge to scroll mindlessly. New good habit replacing a bad habit!

This page is all about sleepy, cuddly koalas!

Sketchbook page of green pen drawings of 6 koalas. The top of the page has the text 5/29/25 and Koalas. Top left is a close up of a Koala, a heart, a mama koala and a baby holding on, and a star. Below is a relaxing sleeping koala on a branch. Below that is a koala from the back sitting down and a heart. To the right is another koala sleeping with its head in a branch.
Batto Rekka OrindaBatto9358
2025-09-25

Here's a reference of my louie, Obarooi! I do like this approach,,, Shows the fundamentals and then some quick examples to demonstrate the personality. Would y'all like ref comms like this? :o

Client Info

Server: https://mastodon.social
Version: 2025.07
Repository: https://github.com/cyevgeniy/lmst