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Dendrolagus matschiei Region: Eastern New Guinea |
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 Species Survival PlansTM are multizoo breeding programs for endangered species. Conservation Status: Endangered  |
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Kangaroos? In trees? Yes, kangaroos in trees Tree kangaroos live in the rain forests of northern Australia and a few nearby islands, including New Guinea. Although none of the 10 species of tree kangaroos look like they quite belong in trees, they are agile climbers. They can move rapidly when they have to, jumping 30 feet downward to a neighboring tree. But most often they climb slowly, grasping the branches with their forelimbs and walking backwards or forwards with their hindlegs. When they descend to the ground, usually they back down carefully, unless it’s an emergency--then they can jump 60 feet to the ground! Similar… Tree kangaroos are similar to their more familiar earth-bound relatives in basic body plan. They have a prominent tail, large specialized feet appropriate for an arboreal (living mostly in trees) existence, and the standard female marsupial feature--a pouch. …but different Tree kangaroos have adaptations that are particular to their habitat, quite different than the features of ground-dwelling kangaroos. Tree kangaroos have bigger and stronger forelimbs to help them climb. Pads on their big feet give them good traction on slippery branches. And their tail is a long cylinder (instead of the tapering tail ground kangaroos have) that’s a counterbalance to their body weight and helps them maneuver in dangerously tall trees. Sitting in wet dripping trees in the rainforest can be a soaking experience, but tree kangaroos have a way of staying dry that kangaroos in arid regions lack. The fur on their neck and back grows in reverse angle from the rest of their coat. When waiting out a rain shower in their typical fashion--crouching with their head lower than their shoulders-- their backwards-growing fur sheds water and keeps them dry! Pouch living Matschie’s tree kangaroos (named after Paul Matschie, a German zoologist) are marsupials, which are specialized kinds of mammals. Almost all female marsupials have a fold of skin on the abdomen. In this pouch, young marsupials--or “joeys”--develop and grow. Less than two minutes after its birth, a young tree kangaroo makes the journey to its mother’s pouch. The inch-long joey nurses in the pouch until it is big enough to venture out for the first time for after about 300 days. It will return to the pouch to sleep. After 350 days (the longest period in a pouch of any marsupial) the joey leaves the pouch for good, but sticks close to mom until it is about 18 months old. Magnificent marsupials Matschie’s tree kangaroos are beautifully colored marsupials. Their coat is chestnut brown to mahogany brown, sometimes almost red. Their face, feet, belly, and part of their tail is yellow, and a striking contrast to the brownish base color. Such a brightly colored creature perched on a branch against a backdrop of green rainforest leaves is quite a sight, particularly when that creature is a kangaroo! Just the facts Body length: 20 to 30 inches Tail length: 16 to 36 inches Weight: Females 17 pounds; males 14 pounds Distribution: Eastern New Guinea Habitat: Mountainous rain forests at altitudes between 3,000 and 10,000 feet. Tree kangaroos are in danger of extinction because their rain forest habitat is being destroyed to meet the needs of a growing human population. Tree kangaroos’ needs for survival are very specific, and can only be met by one habitat--rainforest trees. Wild diet: Leaves and fruit Brookfield Zoo diet: Leafy greens, chopped vegetables, and a specialized pellet mix Matschie’s tree kangaroos at Brookfield Zoo Brookfield Zoo participates in the Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo Species Survival Plan, a breeding program that helps zoo populations of endangered animals stay healthy! The tree kangaroos are not currently on display in Australia House. Links |