Tree Kangaroo

Tree Kangaroo

Aren’t they cute?

Common name: Tree kangaroo;

Genus: Dendrolagus;

Distribution:
Rainforests of Australia, Papua New Guinea and neighbouring islands. Most tree kangaroos are found in mountainous areas, some are found in low lands.

Description:
Tree kangaroos are short. They have golden-brown coat and a long bushy tail. They are mainly adapted for tree life with shorter legs and stronger forelimbs for climbing, giving them somewhat of the appearance of a cross between a kangaroo and a lemur. On ground, they are slow and clumsy and move by hopping, but on tree, they are bold and quick.

Habit:
Tree kangaroos eat leaves, fruits, berries etc.

Importance:
The tree kangaroos have important cultural significance for the local indigenous people, and serve as a flagship species for the YUs conservation area. Although, they are endangered because of hunting, habitat loss and pet trade.