Mammals
Matschie's Tree Kangaroo
Dendrolagus matschiei · also called huon tree kangaroo
Backing slowly down a tree trunk tail-first, a Matschie’s tree kangaroo displays a vivid reddish-gold coat found naturally only on a single peninsula of Papua New Guinea’s cloud forest, a climbing technique suited to its specialised grip.
Overview
Matschie’s tree kangaroo, Dendrolagus matschiei, is an Endangered mammal found naturally only on the Huon Peninsula of Papua New Guinea. Its vivid reddish-gold colouring, unusual backward tree-descending technique, and extremely restricted natural range make it one of the most visually striking and geographically limited members of the kangaroo family.
A kangaroo confined to one peninsula
Few mammals have a natural range as narrow as Matschie’s tree kangaroo, which exists nowhere outside the cloud forests of a single New Guinea peninsula, a geographic concentration that leaves the entire species exposed to any significant change there.
Status
Endangered, with a declining population confined to the Huon Peninsula of Papua New Guinea, threatened by hunting and habitat loss.
Matschie's Tree Kangaroo: common questions
Why does Matschie's tree kangaroo climb down trees backward?
It descends trees tail and hind legs first rather than head-first, a climbing technique suited to its body structure and grip, differing from how many other climbing mammals typically descend.
How restricted is Matschie's tree kangaroo's range?
It is found naturally only on the Huon Peninsula of Papua New Guinea, a notably small and specific area that makes the species especially vulnerable to local habitat loss.
Is Matschie's tree kangaroo important to local communities?
Yes, it holds cultural significance to indigenous communities within its range, who have historically played a role in local conservation efforts aimed at protecting the species.
What colour is Matschie's tree kangaroo's coat?
It has a strikingly bright reddish-gold coat, among the most vividly coloured of the tree kangaroo species.