Dactylopsila trivirgata

(Gray, 1858)

Vernacular names
English : Torresian striped possum
French : Phalanger au pelage rayé

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Diprotodontia
Family : Petauridae
Notes : 4 subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 28 cm in length for a weight of 545 g and tail length of 39 cm. Tail is thick with a naked area on ventral side. Coloration is whitish-grey with three big black stripes covering head, flanks and limbs. Black tail, white tip.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Australasia, from West Papuan Islands and most of Papua New Guinea to extreme north-east Queensland in Australia. Lives in tropical forests and woodlands in lowlands and lower montane areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is common in many parts of its range. It is locally threatened by deforestation, especially in New Guinea. Rarely hunted for food.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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