Bennett's tree-kangaroo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bennett's tree-kangaroo |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dendrolagus
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| Species: |
bennettianus
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| Bennett's tree-kangaroo range | |
The Bennett's tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus bennettianus) is a special type of tree-kangaroo. These amazing animals live high up in the trees. They are quite large for a tree-dwelling creature. Male Bennett's tree-kangaroos can weigh between 11.5 and 14 kilograms (25 to 31 pounds). Females are a bit smaller, weighing about 8 to 10.6 kilograms (17.6 to 23 pounds).
These tree-kangaroos are incredibly agile. They can leap as far as 9 meters (30 feet) from one branch to another. They have even been seen dropping safely from heights of 18 meters (59 feet) to the ground without getting hurt!
Where Do They Live?
This shy and hard-to-spot tree-kangaroo lives in rain forests. You can find them in both mountain and lowland areas. Their home is in Queensland, Australia, south of Cooktown. Their range extends to just north of the Daintree River. Sometimes, they are also seen in sclerophyll woodlands. These are forests with tough, dry-leafed plants.
What Do They Eat?
The Bennett's tree-kangaroo is a herbivore. This means it only eats plants. Their diet mainly consists of leaves from rainforest trees. They especially like the leaves of the Schefflera actinophylla (also known as the umbrella tree). They also munch on vines, ferns, and various wild fruits. Scientists have found that they eat leaves from 33 different types of plants!
Physical Features
Like other tree-kangaroos, the Bennett's tree-kangaroo has some unique features. Its front legs are longer than its back legs. This helps it climb and move through trees. Its back legs are shorter compared to kangaroos that live on the ground. It also has a long, bushy tail. This tail helps it balance when moving high up in the branches.
Their fur is mostly dark brown on their backs. Their chin, throat, and lower belly are a lighter fawn color. The fur on their forehead and snout is greyish. Their feet and hands are black. The tail has a black patch near its base. The upper part of the tail has a lighter patch. Their ears are short and rounded.
Who Are Their Predators?
In the past, local Aboriginal people sometimes hunted these tree-kangaroos. Today, this happens much less often. Their main natural enemies are pythons and the dingo.
