Mammals
Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroo
Dendrolagus goodfellowi · also called ornate tree kangaroo
Gripping a branch high in the rainforest canopy with strong curved claws, a Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo moves through the treetops of New Guinea’s highland forests, rarely if ever touching the ground that its ground-dwelling kangaroo relatives bound across.
Overview
Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo, Dendrolagus goodfellowi, is an Endangered mammal native to montane rainforest habitat in parts of New Guinea. Its climbing-adapted claws and tail, nearly exclusive canopy lifestyle, and distinctively patterned coat make it one of the more visually striking and ecologically specialised members of the kangaroo family.
A kangaroo that gave up the ground
Where most kangaroos are built for covering open ground in powerful hops, Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo has traded that lifestyle entirely for a life spent climbing and leaping through the rainforest canopy, rarely setting foot on the forest floor at all.
Status
Endangered, with a declining population threatened by hunting and habitat loss across its restricted range in New Guinea’s highland forests.
Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroo: common questions
How is Goodfellow's tree kangaroo adapted for living in trees?
It has strong, curved claws and a grasping tail suited to climbing, allowing it to move confidently through the rainforest canopy rather than hopping across open ground like its ground-dwelling kangaroo relatives.
Does Goodfellow's tree kangaroo ever come down to the ground?
Rarely; it spends nearly its entire life in the rainforest canopy, foraging, resting, and moving almost entirely among the branches.
Why is Goodfellow's tree kangaroo endangered?
Its population is declining due to hunting and ongoing habitat loss across its already restricted range in New Guinea's highland forests, compounded by a naturally slow reproductive rate.
What does Goodfellow's tree kangaroo eat?
It is a herbivore, eating leaves, fruit, and flowers found within its rainforest canopy habitat.