Black dorcopsis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black dorcopsis |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dorcopsis
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| Species: |
atrata
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| Black dorcopsis range | |
The black dorcopsis or black forest wallaby (Dorcopsis atrata) is a type of marsupial. It belongs to the Macropodidae family, which includes kangaroos and wallabies. This animal lives only on Goodenough Island, which is near New Guinea. It prefers dry forests in warm, tropical areas. Sadly, its home is shrinking, and people hunt it. Because of this, the IUCN says it is "Critically endangered". This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
About the Black Dorcopsis
The black dorcopsis has a unique look. Its upper body is black, and its belly is dark brown. It has a long nose and a bare snout. Its ears are small and round. The back half of its tail has no hair.
Its front legs are strong. However, its back legs and feet are quite small. Adult black dorcopsis are about 29 to 39 inches (74 to 99 cm) long. Their tail adds another 11 to 16 inches (28 to 41 cm). They usually weigh around 4.4 pounds (2 kg).
Life and Habits
Scientists believe the black dorcopsis is mostly active at night. But it might also move around during the day in very thick forests.
It eats many different things. Its diet includes young shoots, leaves, grasses, fruits, and roots. It gathers food with its mouth. Then, it uses its front paws to hold and eat it.
Like other marsupials, a baby black dorcopsis grows inside its mother's pouch. Even though there are four nipples in the pouch, usually only one baby develops at a time.
Where It Lives and Why It's in Danger
The black dorcopsis is found in only one place: Goodenough Island. This island is at the eastern end of Papua New Guinea. The area where it lives is very small, less than 38 square miles (100 square kilometers).
Most of the year, it lives in oak forests. These forests are high up, between 3,300 and 5,900 feet (1,000 and 1,800 meters) above sea level. There isn't much undergrowth there. Instead, the ground is covered with soft mosses, lichens, and ferns.
During certain times of the year, it moves down to lower areas and gullies. When it does this, it becomes easier for people to hunt it. The mountain forests where it lives are being damaged. People use a method called slash and burn to clear land. This turns the forest into grassland.
Even though the black dorcopsis is common in the small areas where it still lives, its total population is shrinking. Because of this, the IUCN has listed it as "Critically endangered". This means it faces a very high risk of becoming extinct in the wild.
