Phalanger matanim Flannery 1987
- Dataset
- Phalangeridae
- Rank
- SPECIES
Classification
- kingdom
- Animalia
- phylum
- Chordata
- class
- Mammalia
- order
- Diprotodontia
- family
- Phalangeridae
- genus
- Phalanger
- species
- Phalanger matanim
activity
Activity patterns. Anecdotal information suggests that the Telefomin Cuscus is nocturnal and often sleeps among stones but sometimes in trees.
biology_ecology
Habitat. Mid-montane tropical moist oak forests in a narrow elevational band of 1500 - 2600 m. The Telefomin Cuscus occurs sympatrically with the Ground Cuscus (FP. gymnotis), Stein’s Cuscus (P. vestitus), the Silky Cuscus (P. sericeus), and the Mountain Cuscus (P. carmelitae).
biology_ecology
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Call of the Telefomin Cuscusis reported to be a soft sniffling sound. It does not appear to snarl, which is unlike other cuscuses. When spotlighted, the Telefomin Cuscus coversits eyes rather than flees.
breeding
Breeding. Two young Telefomin Cuscuses were reported in February and March, and a female with an enlarged teat was observed in August.
conservation
Status and Conservation. Classified as Critically Endangered on The IUCN Red List. The only known area of occurrence of the Telefomin Cuscus was badly affected by fires during drought conditions in 1997 - 1998, associated with the El Nino Southern Oscillation event. Field studies are needed to confirm continued existence and status of the Telefomin Cuscus.
description
Descriptive notes. Head-body 34.5 - 44 cm, tail 27.5 - 31.5 cm; weight 1.1 - 2 kg. The Telefomin Cuscus has a plump overall appearance, with long and plush gray dorsal fur, broad dorsal stripe, and white belly. Ears are short and thinly furred, and tail is short. Forelimbs and claws of hands are small compared with those of most other species of phalangerids, except the Scaly-tailed Possum (Wyulda squamicaudata). Teeth of the Telefomin Cuscus are relatively small compared with other montane New Guinean species of Phalanger.
discussion
This species is monotypic.
distribution
Distribution. Restricted to Telefomin area in C New Guinea.
food_feeding
Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.
materials_examined
“ upper Sol River Valley, Telefomin area, West Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, 5 ° 06 ’ S 141 ° 42 ° E, 2,600 m. ”
Name
- Homonyms
- Phalanger matanim Flannery 1987
- Common names
- Cuscus de Telefomin in language.
- Matanim Cuscus in 英语
- Phalanger de Telefomin in 法语
- Telefomin Cuscus in 英语
- Telefomin-Kuskus in 德语