Spilocuscus maculatus

(Heller, 1897)

Vernacular names
English : Common spotted cuscus
French : Couscous tacheté

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Diprotodontia
Family : Phalangeridae
Notes : No subspecies known. Sometimes 4 subspecies are recognized but their validity is questionned.

Identification
Body length of 74 cm, tail length of 70 cm, weight of 6.1 kg. End of tail naked and pink. Coloration variable, ranging from white to grey or beige-brown with white to dark brown or black blotches on back and hindlimbs. Elongated pink nose.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in eastern Indonesia, in the Moluccas archipelago and in most of New Guinea and nearby islands. Lives in most types of lowland forests, including mangroves, up to 1400 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is endangered because of habitat fragmentation, poaching and other disturbances from humane activities. Occurs in protected areas.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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