golden-mantled tree kangaroos

Golden-mantled Tree-kangaroo

Most recently discovered tree-kangaroo

Quick Links
Golden-mantled tree kangaroo at wikipedia
"Lost World" of New Species Found in Indonesia
Golden-mantled tree kangaroo info


The Golden-mantled Tree-kangaroo is similar to the closely related Goodfellow's Tree-kangaroo shown here (Dendrolagus goodfellowi)
© Timmy ToucanWhat
Tree kangaroos are relatives of the kangaroos and wallabies that we all know and have seen.

However they have adpated themselves to a life in the trees with exceptionally long tails and strong forelimbs. They can also get around by moving both their feet at the same time, whereas the kangaroos that live on the ground have to move both rear feet at the same time (ie hop).

The Golden-mantled Tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus pulcherrimus), is possibly the rarest tree kangeroo that is native and endemic to montane forests of New Guinea.

It was discovered in 1990 by Pavel German in Mount Sapau, Torricelli Mountains region of Papua New Guniea (PNG). (Another population was discovered in 2005 in a small area in Indonesia's side of the New Guinea island)

About
It has chestnut brown short coat with a pale belly, and yellowish neck, cheeks and feet.

A double golden stripe runs down its back.

The tail is long and has pale rings.

Why?
The Golden-mantled Tree-kangaroo is extremely rare and extinct in most of its original range.

In fact, the animal is the rarest arboreal (tree) jungle-dwelling kangaroo in the world.

Your chances of seeing one in the wild
You would have to be very lucky.

Reports suggests that it has become extinct over as much as 95% of its original range in the past 60 years.



WWF's work for the Golden-Mantled Tree Kangaroo

Modified: Jan 2006 - Started: Nov 2005
Hunting Moratorium for the Golden-Mantled Tree Kangaroo
The Golden-mantled tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus goodfellowi pulcherrimus), locally known as Weiman, and Scott’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus scottae), loc... » Read more