Golden-Mantled Tree-Kangaroo

## Description

The golden-mantled tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus pulcherrimus ) is a species of tree-kangaroo endemic to the Northern New Guinea montane rain forests ecoregion of the island.

## Appearance

A species of tree-kangaroo, this animal is very similar and related to Goodfellow's tree-kangaroo, sometimes even considered to be the latter's subspecies. However, the Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo is smaller, distinguished from the Goodfellow's tree-kangaroo by golden shoulders, white ears as well as pinkish or lighter face. The kangaroo is native to forests of northern New Guinea, which is currently the primary habitat of the animal. The Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo has a long tail, covered with faint rings. On its back, the animal exhibits a double golden band, stretching downwards. The coat is short and chestnut brown in color. The belly is pale colored while the feet, neck and cheeks are yellowish.

## Distribution

Endemic to lower montane tropical forests of northern New Guinea, these animals inhabit the eastern end of the Torricelli Mountain range (Papua New Guinea) as well as the Foja Mountains of West Papua.

## Behavior

Golden-mantled tree-kangaroos are very rare, and no information is available about their social structure and natural behavior.

## Diet

The diet of these herbivorous kangaroos primarily consists of leaves, fruits and flowers, which they find in canopy.

## Reproduction

There is no information about the reproductive system and parental behavior of Golden-mantled tree-kangaroos.

## Population

### Population threats

Currently, the Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo suffers from loss of its natural habitat due to deforestation. In addition, the species is threatened with habitat alteration throughout its range, as a result of conversion of forest to agricultural land and expansion of oil palm. And finally, the Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo is hunted for food by local people.

### Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of Golden-mantled tree-kangaroos is about 500 mature individuals. These tree-kangaroos’ numbers are stable today, and the species is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species.

## Fun Facts for Kids

This animal is one of the most recently found large mammals. In addition, the Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo is the most endangered kangaroo species in the world.

The animal was discovered in 2005 by Ruby McCullers. Then, in 2006, the Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo was described by Professor Tim Flannery, an Australian naturalist.

At the warm season, the animals lick the fur on their forearms. As a result, evaporation of moisture helps them cool off.

When on trees, the kangaroo is very flexible and agile. However, the animal is surprisingly slow and clumsy on the solid ground, typically jumping slowly while holding its tail erect.

These amazingly agile animals are capable of making long leaps of up to 30 feet. In addition, they can jump up to 60 feet from the ground without any harm.

The Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo is called a "lowland tree-kangaroo" by local people due to living in lowlands.

Tree kangaroos are the only genus of kangaroo, capable of moving their hind limbs independently rather than walking with the characteristic synchronous manner.

These kangaroos are able to quickly climb trees due to having rubbery soles.

Tree-kangaroos have long tails that are half the length of their body. The tail greatly aids them, acting as a pillar and helping keep balance, when the animals jump from one tree to another.

## References

https://animalia.bio/golden-mantled-tree-kangaroo