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ANIMAL DESCRIPTION

COMMON NAME: Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo or Huon Tree Kangaroo

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Dendrolagus matschiei

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Matschie's tree kangaroos are marsupials, though much smaller than Australia's well-known red kangaroo with a body and head length of 20-37 inches. These rare animals look similar in shape to the red kangaroo, however they have a brown coat, cream colored legs, pointed ears and a rounded snout which is also cream in color. An adult male weighs between 20-25 lbs and an adult female weighs between 15-20 lbs.

HABITAT: Matschie’s tree kangaroos can only be found in the Huon Peninsula of northeastern Papua New Guinea, living in some of the last undisturbed rain forest habitat in the world. They live in mountainous rain forests at elevations of 300-10,000 feet.

DIET IN THE WILD: The tree kangaroo eat leaves, fruits and mosses.

BEHAVIOR: Matschie’s tree kangaroo lives alone, or if there is a joey, the father, mother and offspring will hang around together. They spend most of their time in the trees, coming to the forest floor only to eat. Great jumpers, Matschie’s tree kangaroo can leap up to 30 feet.

CONSERVATION EFFORTS: Conservation efforts are a high priority. Their habitat is being destroyed by logging and mineral and oil exploration and their lives are threatened by local hunters. The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program in Papua, New Guinea is working to establish a 150,000 acre reserve for the Matschie’s tree kangaroo in the rainforest through a community-based action organization. It stresses conservation outreach, community health, scientific research and education.

STATUS IN THE WILD: These rare animals are endangered. Their habitat is being destroyed by logging and mineral and oil exploration and their lives are threatened by local hunters.

LIFE SPAN: It is unknown how long they can live in the wild, however they can live up to 20 years in captivity.

FASCINATING FACTS: No sweat! Instead of sweating, the Matschie’s tree kangaroo licks its forearms and feet so the evaporation will cool their body extremities.