Small dorcopsis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Small dorcopsis |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dorcopsulus
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| Species: |
vanheurni
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| Small dorcopsis range | |
The lesser forest wallaby or small dorcopsis (Dorcopsulus vanheurni) is a type of marsupial. Marsupials are mammals that carry their young in a pouch, like kangaroos. This small wallaby belongs to the Macropodidae family. It lives in the mountains of West Papua, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Its natural home is in dry forests in warm, tropical areas. The number of small dorcopsis has been going down. Because of this, the IUCN has listed it as "near threatened". This means it could become endangered if its situation does not improve.
Contents
What it's called
In the Kalam language spoken in Papua New Guinea, this animal is known as sgaw.
Where it lives and its home
The small dorcopsis is only found on the island of New Guinea. It lives in hills and mountains, usually at heights between 800 and 3,100 meters (about 2,600 to 10,000 feet). It used to live in places like the Schrader, Hunstein, and Torricelli Mountains, but it's not found there anymore. It might also be gone from the Adelbert Range.
This wallaby makes its home in both old, untouched forests and newer forests that have grown back. It also likes open areas in forests, especially near streams. Each small dorcopsis usually has a home area of about one to one and a half hectares (about 2.5 to 3.7 acres).
How people use it
The Etolo people, who live in New Guinea, sometimes use the small dorcopsis as a food source. They often catch it using traps or with the help of hunting dogs. When the Etolo people are busy planting and growing their crops, they tend to use traps more often. This is because trapping allows them to get food without spending too much time hunting. After the growing season, starting in December, they go hunting more often for other animals. During this time, fewer small dorcopsis are usually caught.
Its current situation
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says the small dorcopsis is "near threatened". This means it's close to becoming a "vulnerable" animal. It was once very common, but its numbers have dropped, especially near towns and villages. This is mainly because local people hunt it for food. Also, New Guinea singing dogs, which live in the wild parts of the island, sometimes hunt these wallabies.
See also
In Spanish: Dorcopsulus vanheurni para niños
