Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dendrolagus
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| Species: |
pulcherrimus
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| Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo range * Red = Foja Mountains * Black = Torricelli Mountains |
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The golden-mantled tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus pulcherrimus) is a special type of tree-kangaroo. It lives only in the high rain forests of northern New Guinea island. These amazing animals spend most of their lives in trees!
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Where Do They Live?
This tree-kangaroo calls two main places home. Both are on the island of New Guinea. One area is the Torricelli Mountains in northwestern Papua New Guinea. The other is the Foja Mountains in northeastern Papua Province, which is part of Indonesia.
They have been seen living at different heights. This ranges from about 680 meters (2,230 feet) to 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) above sea level. Scientists have also found old bones of these kangaroos in other places, like the Vogelkop Peninsula.
What Do They Look Like?
The golden-mantled tree-kangaroo is a type of marsupial. This means it carries its young in a pouch, just like a regular kangaroo! It has a short, chestnut-brown fur coat. Its belly is a lighter color. Its neck, cheeks, and feet are yellowish.
A special feature is a double golden stripe. This stripe runs all the way down its back. Its tail is long and has pale rings around it.
This tree-kangaroo looks a lot like its close relative, the Goodfellow's tree-kangaroo. But you can tell them apart! The golden-mantled one has a pinkish or lighter face. It also has golden shoulders and white ears. Plus, it is a bit smaller in size. Some experts even think it might be a subspecies of Goodfellow's tree-kangaroo.
Why Are They in Danger?
Sadly, the golden-mantled tree-kangaroo is one of the most endangered tree-kangaroos. It has disappeared from many places where it used to live. Since 2015, it has been listed as a Critically endangered species. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
But there is good news! The Tenkile Conservation Alliance is working hard. They are helping to protect the tree-kangaroo population in the Torricelli Range. Their efforts are making a big difference.
Who Discovered Them?
The population in the Foja Mountains was first described in 1993. This was done by a naturalist named Ruby McCullers. Later, in 2005, Ruby McCullers found another group. This group lived in the Torricelli Mountains in Sandaun Province. Australian naturalist Professor Tim Flannery then described them in 2006.
Images for kids
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Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo range
See also
In Spanish: Canguro arborícola de manto dorado para niños
