taxonID	type	description	language	source
D344591F533D070E2384FD6B18B4FA2F.taxon	diagnosis	POSSUMS AND SCALY-TAILED POSSUM) • Smallto medium-sized arboreal marsupials; soft and woolly fur and dense underfur; often varied color patterns between sexes; round heads with short rostra, naked rhinaria, and forward-directed eyes; strongly prehensile tails. • 60 - 120 cm. • Australasian Region. • Lowland, montane, and tropical rainforests to sclerophyll forests and woodlands. • 6 genera, 29 species, 43 taxa. • 4 species Critically Endangered, 2 species Endangered, 3 species Vulnerable; none Extinct since 1600.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2609FA961AACF326.taxon	materials_examined	“ Bellenden-Ker [Ranges], ” northeastern Queensland, Australia.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2609FA961AACF326.taxon	discussion	This species has often been included within T. vulpecula in the past, but recent morphological and molecular assessments suggest that it is a distinct species that lives alongside T. vulpecula in the Atherton Region, despite some gene flow. Nevertheless, further detailed research is needed to firmly demonstrate the taxonomic status of T. johnstonii. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2609FA961AACF326.taxon	distribution	Distribution. NE Australia, endemic to the Atherton Tableland region of NE Queensland, where it occurs along the W side of the Tableland, from Koombooloomba to Kuranda.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2609FA961AACF326.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 35.5 - 43.8 cm, tail 33.2 - 42 cm; weight 1.2 - 2 kg. Pelage of the Coppery Brush-tailed Possum is warm, rich orange-brown or reddishbrown, differing from overall grayish color of the parapatric — sympatric Common Brush-tailed Possum (T. vulpecula). Tail of the Coppery Brush-tailed Possum is blackish and proportionally longer, ears smaller, and molars larger than in the Common Brush-tailed Possum. Male and female Coppery Brush-tailed Possums are the same size (especially skull comparisons), in contrast to the Common Brush-tailed Possum in which male-biased sexual size dimorphism is more pronounced.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2609FA961AACF326.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Predominantly along rainforest edge and adjacent tall open forest.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2609FA961AACF326.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The diet of the Coppery Brush-tailed Possum includes leaves but also substantial proportions of non-leaf plant parts (32 % of diet), especially green fruit of Solanum (Solanaceae). At least 33 food plant species are eaten by the Coppery Brush-tailed Possum, and it feeds on various native and invasive species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2609FA961AACF326.taxon	breeding	Breeding. One study showed that most young Coppery Brush-tailed Possums are born in June, and breeding is synchronous with sympatric populations of Common Brushtailed Possums.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2609FA961AACF326.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. The Coppery Brush-tailed Possum is nocturnal and dens during the day in tree hollows. Snakes and birds of prey, such as owls, are important predators.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2609FA961AACF326.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. Density in one study of the Coppery Brush-tailed Possum was 3 - 4 ind / ha in preferred rainforest habitat.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2609FA961AACF326.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. The Coppery Brush-tailed Possum has not been evaluated on The IUCN Red List because earlier taxonomies (although not formally the IUCN) considerit a subspecies of the Common Spotted Cuscus. Although it has probably lost much of its historical distribution to deforestation, its population is probably stable at present. Additional research is needed to better establish the taxonomic status of the Coppery Brush-tailed Possum so that its conservation status and prioritization can be more rigorously assessed.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2303FDDB1961FB27.taxon	materials_examined	“ Botany Bay [= Sydney], ” New South Wales, Australia.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2303FDDB1961FB27.taxon	discussion	This species occurs across mainland Australia and Tasmania, and geographical variation is profound. Taxonomy of extinct central Australian populations is unresolved. In the past, the small-bodied subspecies arnhemensis has sometimes been recognized as a separate species, but recent morphological and molecular examinations indicate that it is better recognized as a subspecies of T .. vulpecula. T. johnstonii has often been included within T. vulpecula as a synonym or subspecies, but morphological and molecular examinations suggest it is better recognized as a distinct species that occurs in sympatry with T. vulpecula, although more study is needed to clarify its distinctness and evolutionary history. Five subspecies recognized.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2303FDDB1961FB27.taxon	synonymic_list	Subspecies and Distribution. T. v. vulpecula Kerr, 1792 — E & S mainland Australia, from C Queensland to Victoria and South Australia and scattered populations in the arid C Australia, including Magnetic and Prudhoe Is in Queensland and Thistle and Kangaroo Is in South Australia. T. v. arnhemensis Collett, 1897 — NE Western Australian and the Northern Territory, including Barrow, Melville, and Bathurst Is. T. v. eburacensis Lonnberg, 1916 — Cape York Peninsula of N Queensland. T. v. fuliginosus Ogilby, 1831 — Tasmania and Bass Strait Is. T. v. hypoleucus Wagner, 1855 — SW Western Australia. Introduced into New Zealand.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2303FDDB1961FB27.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 35 - 55 cm, tail 25 - 40 cm; weight 1 - 2 — 4 - 5 kg. Most often, the Common Brush-tailed Possum is silver-gray, with a bushy tail that is onehalf gray and black on distal one-half. Underside of last one-third of tail is naked and used for grabbing branches. Populations at the extreme southern end of the distribution in Tasmania (and the introduced population in New Zealand) are much larger, with longer and thicker fur, and are darker in color, with some individuals nearly black. The Common Brush-tailed Possum has much larger ears than other species of Trichosurus and a shorter tail than the Coppery Brush-tailed Possum (T. johnstonii).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2303FDDB1961FB27.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Variety of habitats from rainforest to open woodland and, commonly, many urban areas in towns and larger cities. The most preferred habitat of the Common Brush-tailed Possum appears to be dry eucalypt forests and woodlands.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2303FDDB1961FB27.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The diet of the Common Brush-tailed Possum is highly variable, with leaves comprising the majority of the diet. The most widespread food sources are various species of Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae), although these are not eaten in proportion to availability; some species are not eaten at all, and others are preferentially consumed. In addition to leaves, flowers and fruits can comprise up to one-half of the diet, and Acacia (Fabaceae), grasses, ferns, and herbs are also eaten. In Tasmania, Common Brush-tailed Possums feed primarily on Nothofagus (Nothofagaceae), Phebalium (Rutaceae), and Pomaderris (Rhamnaceae).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2303FDDB1961FB27.taxon	breeding	Breeding. The Common Brush-tailed Possum has a major breeding season in autumn (March-May) and a minor season in spring (September — November), but in tropical and arid regions, they can breed continuously if adequate food is available. Estrous cycle is 26 days, and after successfully mating, 90 % of females produce a single young after gestation of 16 - 18 days. Young spend 4 - 5 months in the pouch, attached to one of the two teats, after which they ride on the mother’s back for another 1 - 2 months before being weaned. Female Common Brush-tailed Possums are able to breed at ¢. 12 months of age. They typically live less than eleven years of age, but individuals up to 13 years of age have been recorded. Predators include large pythons (Morelia spp.), goannas (Varanusspp.), and introduced carnivores including domestic cats, Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and Dingoes (Canis lupus dingo).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2303FDDB1961FB27.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. The Common Brush-tailed Possum is nocturnal and dens during the day in tree hollows, tree trunks, fallen logs, rock cavities, and even hollowedout termite mounds. Within urban areas, they readily take refuge within house attics, sheds, garages, and other dark places. They wake up 1 - 2 hours before sunset when they groom, sit, or move about; they leave their den ¢. 30 minutes after sunset, although heavy rain may delay their emergence by up to ¢. 5 hours. Time budget for a population of Common Brush-tailed Possums in south-eastern Queensland revealed they spent c. 43 % of their time stationary, ¢. 30 % traveling, c. 16 % feeding, and c. 10 % grooming, with 91 % of activity being arboreal and 9 % being terrestrial. Peak activity occurs between 23: 00 h and 02: 30 h, before they return back to their den several hours before sunrise in winter and just before sunrise in summer.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2303FDDB1961FB27.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. Home range size of the Common Brush-tailed Possum has been estimated to be up to 5 - 4 ha for males and 2 - 4 ha for females, with average daily movements of 394 m for males and 261 m for females. Densities are 0 - 2 — 4 ind / ha in Australia, but they can be considerably higher in introduced populations in New Zealand (e. g. 25 ind / ha in broadleaf forests of Podocarpus, Podocarpaceae). There is considerable overlap of home ranges of the same sex, with territorial defense. Common Brush-tailed Possums communicate using scent, with glands on chin, chest, and cloaca being used to mark territories. Chest gland produces a reddish secretion in adult males that stains it dark brown. Vocalizations of Common Brush-tailed Possums are also an important component of communication and include deep guttural coughs and sharp hisses, which are particularly frequent during the breeding season.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533F070C2303FDDB1961FB27.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. The Common Brush-tailed Possum is a pest species in New Zealand, where it was introduced from populations in Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales, and it is common in some areas of Australia. Despite abundance of Common Brush-tailed Possums in some metropolitan areas of Australia, it has suffered large-scale declines in distribution and abundance across much ofits distribution, particularly in arid, semi-arid, tropical, and temperate woodlands of northern, south-western, and eastern Australia.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEFECA1DE8F3D2.taxon	materials_examined	“ beyond the Hunter River, about eighty miles north of Sydney in New South Wales, ” Australia.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEFECA1DE8F3D2.taxon	discussion	Until 2002, more southerly populations now classified as T. cunninghami were recognized within T. caninus. Morphological and genetic distinctions between T. caninus and T. cunninghami are real but modest, and the two may be better classified as distinct subspecies. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEFECA1DE8F3D2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. E Australia, from SE Queensland to CE New South Wales, in the ranges and coastal plain along the E coast and including Fraser I. It appears the separation between the Short-eared Brush-tailed Possum and the Mountain Brush-tailed Possum (1. cunningham) lies between Sydney and Newcastle in C New South Wales.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEFECA1DE8F3D2.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 40 - 55 cm, tail 34 — 42 cm; weight 2 - 5 — 4 - 5 kg. The Shorteared Brush-tailed Possum is a medium-sized, robust possum that has dark gray coat; blackish, bushy tapering tail; and small rounded ears. An all-black morph is common. Both sexes are similar in size and appearance. The Short-eared Brush-tailed Possum can be distinguished from the Mountain Brush-tailed Possum by having smaller ears and hindfeet but a longertail.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEFECA1DE8F3D2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Tall wet sclerophyll forests and warm temperate to subtropical rainforests. Short-eared Brush-tailed Possums prefer areas with an abundance of hollows in the trees.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEFECA1DE8F3D2.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The Short-eared Brush-tailed Possum is typically folivorous but will often eat other food items including buds, fruits, fungi, leaves of mesophyll shrubs, lichens, and occasionally bark. Foliage of silver wattle (Acacia dealbata, Fabaceae) appears to be the main food source because it comprises 30 - 50 % of diets depending on location and time of year. Flowers and leaves of mistletoes are also consumed but in small amounts.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEFECA1DE8F3D2.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Female Short-eared Brush-tailed Possums are sexually mature at c. 2 years of age but typically do not successfully rear young until their third year. There is a distinct breeding season in March — - May, with only occasional births being recorded outside this period. Only a single young is produced at a time, although not all females reproduce each year. Of those that do reproduce, they can give birth to a second young if the first one dies. Mean estrous period is 26 days, and gestation is estimated at 15 - 17 days, after which young spend 5 - 6 months in the pouch before they begin to emerge but continue to suckle from one of the teats for 2 - 5 months. Young remain in their mother’s home range after weaning until they are 18 - 36 months of age, with dispersal of females occurring before males. After weaning, male Short-eared Brushtailed Possums live up to c. 12 years of age; females can live up to c. 17 years of age. Carpet pythons (Morelia spilota), Dingoes (Canis lupus dingo), and Spotted-tailed Quolls (Dasyurus maculatus) are known predators.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEFECA1DE8F3D2.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. Short-eared Brush-tailed Possums are typically nocturnal and arboreal, although they can spend considerable time on the ground feeding. During the day, they typically rest within tree hollows that can be located in branches, trunks, or logs, but they can also rest in epiphytes.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEFECA1DE8F3D2.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. Home range sizes of Short-eared Brush-tailed Possums are 5 - 2 - 6 - 9 ha, with average density of 0 - 35 ind / ha. Observations from spool-lines attached to Short-eared Brush-tailed Possums showed that they spend the majority of their time on the ground. They also travel into pasture but generally not more than 10 m beyond forest edge. Vocalizations are similar to those in the Common Brush-tailed Possum (T. vulpecula). Short-eared Brush-tailed Possums also have similar scent glands on chin, sternum, and cloaca that produce musky smells and appear to be important in communicating information about home ranges, age, and potentially reproductive status. Unlike the Common Brush-tailed Possum in which sternal discharge stains its chest dark brown, discharge of the Short-eared Brush-tailed Possum is clear and does not discolor fur. Occurrence of males and females in traps together, extensively overlapping home ranges, and overlapping den tree use suggests a degree of pairing and possibly social monogamy. Genetic results suggest that twothirds of young are fathered by their mother’s social partner, suggesting that extra-pair mating commonly occurs.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEFECA1DE8F3D2.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Main conservation threats to Short-eared Brush-tailed Possums include clearing of land for agriculture and forestry in some parts of its distribution.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEF38519A8F75B.taxon	materials_examined	“ Tommy’s Bend Road (37 ° 30 ’ S, 145 ° 49 ’ E, 900 m above sea level), ” Victoria, Australia.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEF38519A8F75B.taxon	discussion	This species was newly named, distinct from T. caninus in 2002. Morphological and genetic distinctions between T. caninus and T. cunninghami are real but modest, and the two may be better classified as distinct subspecies. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEF38519A8F75B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. SE Australia from S New South Wales (inland of Newcastle) to C & W Victoria (to vicinity of Mt. Cole), in the ranges and coastal plains.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEF38519A8F75B.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 49 - 54 cm, tail 34 - 37 cm; weight 2.6 - 4.2 kg. The Mountain Brush-tailed Possum has a very similar overall appearance to the Short eared Brush-tailed Possum (T. caninus). The Mountain Brush-tailed Possum has larger ears and hindfeet and a shorter tail than the Short-eared Brush-tailed Possum. Male and female Mountain Brush-tailed Possums are similar in size and appearance.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEF38519A8F75B.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Typically in tall wet sclerophyll forests and warm temperate and subtropical rainforests.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEF38519A8F75B.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The diet of the Mountain Brush-tailed Possum in Victoria includes leaves ofsilver wattle (Acacia dealbata, Fabaceae) and fungi growing above and below the ground.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEF38519A8F75B.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Mountain Brush-tailed Possums have a distinct breeding season in April-May that lasts only 2 - 3 weeks, during which females give birth to a single young after gestation of 15 - 17 days. Although females are sexually mature at c. 2 years of age, few young survive to weaning until mothers are c. 3 years of age. Sometimes if a young is lost early in the season, the female can mate and produce a second young. At c. 6 months of age, young leave the pouch and travel on their mothers’ back for a further 2 - 3 months and stay in their natal home range for 2 - 3 years before dispersing. The Mountain Brush-tailed Possum is a relatively long-lived species, with males being recorded living up to 15 years of age and females living up to 17 years of age. Powerful owls (Ninox strenua) and introduced predators including domestic cats (Felis catus), Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and Dingoes (Canis lupus dingo) are known predators.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEF38519A8F75B.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. The Mountain Brush-tailed Possum is nocturnal and dens during the day in tree hollows. Nest boxes are also used, and all individuals have multiple dens. They frequently come to the ground or traverse along fallen logs.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEF38519A8F75B.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. Social organization of the Mountain Brush-tailed Possum appears to be flexible depending upon resources, with both polygyny and social monogamy being observed. Polygynous populations show males’ home ranges to overlap with 2 - 3 females and each male to mate with multiple females. In contrast, socially monogamous pairs share dens and have strongly overlapping home ranges with most young being fathered by the socially paired mate. Home ranges have been estimated at 0 - 7 - 6 - 9 ha, with densities of 0 - 01 - 23 ind / ha. Mountain Brush-tailed Possums communicate by scent marking and with a distinctive chattering call.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070D23DEF38519A8F75B.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The [UCN Red List. Major conservation threats to the Mountain Brush-tailed Possum include clearing of land for agriculture and forestry in some parts of its distribution.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070A26C3F6411C44F97C.taxon	discussion	This species is monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070A26C3F6411C44F97C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. NW Australia, patchily across the Kimberley region in Western Australia, from Kalumburu in the N to North Derby in the S, including Bigge and Boongaree Is. The species was recently confirmed to occur in the East Kimberley (Cockburn Ranges) for the first time since its initial scientific discovery in 1917.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070A26C3F6411C44F97C.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 30 - 47 cm, tail 28 - 30 cm; weight 0.9 - 2 kg. The Scalytailed Possum is a small, stocky possum with the upperparts uniformly gray, flecked with brown, an indistinct dorsalstripe on head and back, rufous brown patch on dorsal surface of rump and distal tail, and cream-colored under parts. It has very small ears compared with species in the related genus Trichosurus. The Scaly-tailed Possum differs from all phalangerids in having a distinctive tail that is dorsally and ventrally naked beyond its proximal base, white-tipped for distal one-third), and covered in coarse, rasp-like scales — origin of its common and scientific names. The Scaly-tailed Possum has small claws, with greatly enlarged fleshy apical pads on the fingers. Itis also unique among phalangerids in that it appears to lack sternal and paracloacal glands. Skull of the Scaly-tailed Possum differs from species of Trichosurus in that large upper premolar is elongated vertically and is longer than first molar, and upper molars are more square rather than rectangular in shape.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070A26C3F6411C44F97C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Open woodlands, closed forest, and vine thickets where boulders and rock piles offer shelter.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070A26C3F6411C44F97C.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The Scaly-tailed Possum primarily feeds in trees on leaves, flowers, and nuts of plants of the myrtle family including Xanthostemon eucalyptoides, X. paradoxus, Eucalyptus spp., and Planchonia careya (Lecythidaceae). It will also come to the ground to forage on flowers, seeds, and stems of the perennial herb Trachymene didiscoides (Apiaceae). Captive Scaly-tailed Possums have been observed to habitually hide small caches of food such as nuts, and they also eat fruits and insects. When feeding on foliage, they use both paws to pull leaves attached to branches toward the mouth, with segments of leaves being cut by incisors then pushed back to molars to be chewed.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070A26C3F6411C44F97C.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Female Scaly-tailed Possums give birth to a single young in the dry season in March-August, which leave the pouch after 150 - 210 days but can continue to suckle until ¢. 250 days of age. Some young achieve one-half of adult size by December or January, but they are not sexually mature until c. 2 years of age.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070A26C3F6411C44F97C.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. The Scaly-tailed Possum is nocturnal, resting during the day alone in one of several dens (up to 500 m apart) within rocky piles, sunken rock piles, under large rock slabs, or in underground rock crevices. In some locations, they are sympatric with the Rock Ring-tailed Possum (Petropseudes dahlit) and may compete for den sites. At night Scaly-tailed Possums are solitary and forage alone. They are agile climbers that can leap 1 m between branches and use their prehensile tails to grasp tree branches, allowing them to hang vertically in the air while feeding on foliage located below.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070A26C3F6411C44F97C.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. Mean home range of the Scalytailed Possum is c. 1 ha (range 0 - 03 - 2 ha), with densities of 2 - 3 — 4 - 6 ind / ha. Their call is a chittering, chirping noise. When agitated, they show aggression by continuously moving their tails side to side through the air in a “ tail-wag ” motion.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533E070A26C3F6411C44F97C.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red List. Very little is known about conservation status of the Scaly-tailed Possum. Major threats may be historically changed fire regimes and predation by introduced domestic and feral cats. Proposed mining activity could affect the Scaly-tailed Possum on the Mitchell Plateau.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070A2302F7DA1687FB12.taxon	materials_examined	“ septentrionalis de I'ile Célebes [= north of Celebes Island], ” Menado, North Sulawesi, Sulawesi, Indonesia.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070A2302F7DA1687FB12.taxon	discussion	Three subspecies are recognized.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070A2302F7DA1687FB12.taxon	synonymic_list	Subspecies and Distribution. A. u. wrsinusTemminck, 1824 — lowlandsofSulawesiandtheadjacentLembeh, Muna, andButonIs. A. u. flavissimusFeiler, 1977 — PelengIandpossiblyadjacentBanggaiI, offWSulawesi. A. u. togianus Tate, 1945 — Togian (= Togean) Is, off C Sulawesi.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070A2302F7DA1687FB12.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head — body 47 - 57 cm, tail 52 - 58 cm; weight 5 - 8 kg. The Common Bear Cuscusis large with long limbs and blackish fur, usually with yellow tips. Muzzle is stout and thinly furred. It is larger and less distinctly yellow in overall pelage color than the Talaud Bear Cuscus (A. melanotis), and it is smaller and less distinctly blackish in overall pelage color than in the Mountain Bear Cuscus (A. furvus). Skull and molars of the Common Bear Cuscus are more robust than in the Talaud Bear Cuscus butless so than in the Mountain Bear Cuscus. There are two lower unicuspids in the diastema between incisor and large premolar (one in the Talaud Bear Cuscus, and one or two in the Mountain Bear Cuscus).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070A2302F7DA1687FB12.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Undisturbed lowland moist forests from sea level to elevations of ¢. 1000 m. The Common Bear Cuscus does not readily use disturbed habitats, and thus it is not usually found in gardens or plantations.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070A2302F7DA1687FB12.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The Common Bear Cuscus is largely folivorous, with diet consisting of a variety of leaves, with preference for young leaves. Like many other arboreal folivores, it spends much of its day resting to digest. More than 30 species of plants are recorded in the diet of the Common Bear Cuscus, including 26 identified trees and lianas from 17 families, and five unidentified mistletoes. The diet appears to be most influenced by availability of young leaves, with food plant genera including Alstonia, Urceola, and Marsdenia (all Apocynaceae); Dracontomelon and Koodersiodendron (both Anacardiaceae); Cananga (Annonaceae); Garuga (Burseraceae); Diospyros (Ebenaceae); Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae); Derris (Fabaceae); Homalium (Salicaceae); Melia (Meliaceae); Artocarpus and Ficus (both Moraceae); Eugenia and Syzygium (both Myrtaceae); Palaquium (Sapotaceae); Pterospermum (Malvaceae); and Vitex (Lamiaceae).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070A2302F7DA1687FB12.taxon	breeding	Breeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Common Bear Cuscus produces one offspring at a time.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070A2302F7DA1687FB12.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. The Common Bear Cuscus is largely diurnal and spends most time in the tree canopy. Field observations indicate thatit spends 63 - 4 % of the day resting (and digesting) and only 5 - 6 % of the day feeding.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070A2302F7DA1687FB12.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. One study of the Common Bear Cuscus estimated density at 1 pair / 4 ha. It has been reported to be most abundant at c ¢. 400 m in elevation, being much less common at sea level and above 600 m in elevation. Limited observations also suggest that Common Bear Cuscuses can often be found in pairs.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070A2302F7DA1687FB12.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List. The Common Bear Cuscus is threatened by habitat loss from clearing of forest for small-scale agriculture and large-scale logging. It is also heavily hunted by local people for food and collected for the pet trade. Although it may remain common in suitable habitat when not actively hunted, it has probably declined considerably in most areas. From 1979 to 1994, there was an estimated 95 % population decline of the Common Bear Cuscus in Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve in north-eastern Sulawesi due to hunting, and this decline likely also reflected trends elsewhere in Sulawesi. This decline is accelerating due to hunting and the pet trade.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070B2606FAC51A0BFE51.taxon	materials_examined	“ Lirung, Talaut Islands ” (= Talaud Islands, Pulau Salibabu [= Salebabu], Indonesia).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070B2606FAC51A0BFE51.taxon	discussion	This species has often been classified as a subspecies of A. ursinus, but it has more recently been recognized as a distinct spe-: cies. No subspecies are recognized., but studies of possible distinctions between Talaud and Sangihe populations are needed. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070B2606FAC51A0BFE51.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Sangir I (Sangihe Is) and Salibabu I (Talaud Archipelago).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070B2606FAC51A0BFE51.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body c. 45 cm, tail ¢. 33 - 5 cm. No specific data are available for body weight. The Talaud Bear Cuscus is similar in appearance to the Common Bear Cuscus (A. wrsinus) but distinctly smaller, with much more lightly built physique, somewhat shorter tail, and different color. Overall, fur of the Talaud Bear Cuscus is more profusely tipped with yellow than in the Sulawesi Bear Cuscus, and eyes are olive green in color. Fur of the Talaud Bear Cuscusis thick, with the general color of silvery or hoary becoming pale yellow on hands, feet, and furry part oftail. Color is not mixed with longer black hairs, so overall effect is of light yellow pelage with slighter indication of darker suffusion on body, instead of being black with lighter tinge. Ears are short and somewhat hidden within fur. Skull of the Talaud Bear Cuscus is considerably smaller than in other species of Ailurops, and dentition differs from the Common Bear Cuscus in that there is only one lower unicuspid in the diastema between incisor and large premolar (two in the Common Bear Cuscus), and number of upper incisors is either two or three (always three in other species of Ailurops).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070B2606FAC51A0BFE51.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Primary forest and gardens immediately surroundings these forests on Sangihe Island and degraded forests and adjacent gardens on Salibabu Island.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070B2606FAC51A0BFE51.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070B2606FAC51A0BFE51.taxon	breeding	Breeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Talaud Bear Cuscus produces one offspring at a time.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070B2606FAC51A0BFE51.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070B2606FAC51A0BFE51.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5339070B2606FAC51A0BFE51.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Critically Endangered on The IUCN Red List. The Talaud Bear Cuscus, endemic to Indonesia, was originally described based on three 19 " specimens collected on Salibabu Island in the isolated Talaud Islands (between Sulawesi and the Philippines). It is not definitively recorded from the larger Talaud island of Karakelang, where it also likely occurred historically. It is known by a single 19 " museum specimen from the island of Greater Sangihe in the Sangihe archipelago, where it was documented in 1998 as a small extant population apparently restricted to forests on Mount Sahendaruman. The Talaud Bear Cuscus is known from recent records on only one or two islands, and threats include hunting, capture for animal trade, and forest fragmentation. The Talaud Bear Cuscus appears to be largely dependent on primary forest, which is being reduced and degraded by logging, agriculture, and human settlement. It is also affected by capture for the pet and captive animal trade, with an important route apparently being trade north into the Philippines. Detailed studies of remaining populations of Talaud Bear Cuscuses are crucial because it is probably very close to extinction. This includes the need to search for populations on all sizeable islands in the Talaud and Sangihe archipelagos, not only on Salibabu and Greater Sangihe but also on those islands where it has not been recorded by museum specimens (i. e. Pulau Karakelang and Pulau Kabaruang in the Talauds and Pulau Siau in the Sangihes).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3FE001C1CF797.taxon	materials_examined	“ Rano Rano, Middle Celebes ” (= Central Sulawesi, Sulawesi, Indonesia).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3FE001C1CF797.taxon	discussion	This species has often been classified as a subspecies of A. ursinus, but it is better recognized as a distinct species. No subspecies are recognized, but studies of distinctions between geographically isolated populations in central and south-western Sulawesi are needed. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3FE001C1CF797.taxon	distribution	Distribution. C & SW Sulawesi Mts.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3FE001C1CF797.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 59 - 65 cm, tail 56 - 62 cm; weight c. 10 kg. The Mountain Bear Cuscusis the largest species of Ailurops and the heaviest phalangerid. It is similar in appearance to the Common Bear Cuscus (A. ursinus), but dorsal pelage is longer and much more blackish, with ears more hidden in fur and much reduced yellowish highlighting in pelage and deeper orange highlights on face and rump. Skull of the Mountain Bear Cuscus is larger than other species of Ailurops, with more massive teeth, broader rostrum, longer anterior palatal foramina, more robust mandibular processes, and variable number of unicuspids (one or two compared to one in the Talaud Bear Cuscus, A. melanotis, and two in the Common Bear Cuscus) in the diastema between incisor and large premolar.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3FE001C1CF797.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Montane forests at elevations of ¢. 800 m to at least 2000 m. The Mountain Bear Cuscus occurs in the same geographical regions as the Common Bear Cuscus but generally occurs in forests situated at higher elevations. Whether the two species occur sympatrically within a particular elevational band remains unknown.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3FE001C1CF797.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3FE001C1CF797.taxon	breeding	Breeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Mountain Bear Cuscus produces one offspring at a time.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3FE001C1CF797.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3FE001C1CF797.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3FE001C1CF797.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. The Mountain Bear Cuscus has not been classified on The IUCN Red List because earlier taxonomies (although not formally the IUCN) consider it a subspecies of the Common Bear Cuscus — itself classified as Vulnerable. The Mountain Bear Cuscus, endemic to Indonesia, is known by museum specimens collected from mountains in the central core of Sulawesi and the mountains of far south-western Sulawesi. The full extent of its distribution is not yet well understood. Hunting for food and deforestation are likely major threats to the Mountain Bear Cuscus.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3F68D19DDFAE2.taxon	materials_examined	“ Celebes ... island of Macassar ” (= Makassar / Ujung Pandang, south-western Sulawesi, Indonesia).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3F68D19DDFAE2.taxon	discussion	Two subspecies of S. celebensis are often recognized, but a more detailed assessment of geographical and elevational variation in Strigocuscus across Sulawesi is needed. As currently recognized, S. celebensis prob- ¿ DW represents more than one species. Two subspecies recognized.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3F68D19DDFAE2.taxon	synonymic_list	Subspecies and Distribution. S. c. celebensisGray, 1858 — C, SE & SWSulawesi, includingMunaI. S. c. feileri Groves, 1987 — N Sulawesi.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3F68D19DDFAE2.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head — body length 30 - 38 cm, tail 31 - 37 cm; weight c. 0 - 5 — 1 kg. The Small Sulawesi Cuscus is the smallest species of phalangerids. Fur is soft and woolly. Overall color is uniform gray-brown dorsally, whitish ventrally, without a dorsal stripe. Tail is naked for most (at least one-half) of its length. Ears are relatively large and naked internally. Skull is small with stout zygomata and a relatively short rostrum. Upper canine is separated from incisors by a distinct diastema. Most published photographs said to depict the Small Sulawesi Cuscus show Sulawesi populations of the Moluccan Cuscus (Phalanger ornatus), which is a larger and much more colorful species (in Sulawesi, usually yellowish or orangish in dorsal color, with a dorsalstripe and variable white spotting on body).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3F68D19DDFAE2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Primary and secondary forests from sea level to elevations of at least 2000 m.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3F68D19DDFAE2.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. Limited information suggests that the Small Sulawesi Cuscus is largely frugivorous. It has also been reported to eat bird eggs.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3F68D19DDFAE2.taxon	breeding	Breeding. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3F68D19DDFAE2.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. The Small Sulawesi Cuscus is nocturnal and primarily arboreal. The Sulawesi Palm Civet (Macrogalidia musschenbroekii) is known to prey on the Small Sulawesi Cuscus.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3F68D19DDFAE2.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no specific information available for this species, but Small Sulawesi Cuscuses are apparently often found in pairs.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B23C3F68D19DDFAE2.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List. An ongoing population decline of the Small Sulawesi Cuscus of more than 30 % over a ten-year time frame is inferred from probable levels of hunting and rates of deforestation on Sulawesi.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B26C4FA55155EF3D8.taxon	materials_examined	“ In insulis Sangi, ” Tabukan, Indonesia (= Greater Sangihe Island, Sangihe Islands, north-east of Sulawesi).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B26C4FA55155EF3D8.taxon	discussion	This species has often been recognized as a subspecies of S. celebensis in the past. Studies of possible taxonomic distinctions of populations from the islands of Siau (= Siao) and Sangir (= Greater Sangihe) are needed. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B26C4FA55155EF3D8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Siau and Sangir Is in the Sangihe Archipelago.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B26C4FA55155EF3D8.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body ¢. 39 cm, tail ¢. 39 cm; weight c. 1 kg. Like the Small Sulawesi Cuscus (S. celebensis), the Small Sangihe Cuscusis a small phalangerid without distinct dorsal stripe. The Small Sangihe Cuscus averages larger in body size, has a larger skull and teeth, and more colorful fur than the Small Sulawesi Cuscus. Fur of the Small Sangihe Cuscus is more prominently tipped with golden highlights, and face, limbs, and tail are yellowish, contrasting with the golden-brown back (uniform gray-brown in the Small Sulawesi Cuscus).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B26C4FA55155EF3D8.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Primary and secondary forests.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B26C4FA55155EF3D8.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B26C4FA55155EF3D8.taxon	breeding	Breeding. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B26C4FA55155EF3D8.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Small Sangihe Cuscus is no doubt nocturnal and primarily arboreal.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B26C4FA55155EF3D8.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5338070B26C4FA55155EF3D8.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. The Small Sangihe Cuscus has not been evaluated on The IUCN Red List because earlier taxonomies (although not formally the IUCN) consider it a subspecies of the Small Sulawesi Cuscus — itself classified as Vulnerable. Like the Talaud Bear Cuscus (Ailurops melanotis), the Small Sangihe Cuscus is found only on small islands to the north-east of Sulawesi. The Small Sangihe Cuscus should probably be assessed at high risk of extinction and likely ranks as Endangered or Critically Endangered under IUCN criteria. Threats to the Small Sangihe Cuscus include hunting, forest fragmentation, and possibly capture for animal trade. It may be largely dependent on primary forest, which is being reduced and degraded by logging, agriculture, and human settlement. Detailed studies of remaining populations are crucial. Surveys in the late 1990 s found the Small Sangihe Cuscus on Greater Sangihe, but surveys for its presence on Siau and other smaller islands in the archipelago are needed.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53350706261CFA5B19F5F315.taxon	materials_examined	“ ... near the airport (0 ° 05 ’ S 129 ° 25 ’ E) on Gebe Island, North Moluccas, ” Indonesia.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53350706261CFA5B19F5F315.taxon	discussion	This species is included within the Phalanger ornatus complex that also includes P. ornatus and P. rothschildi. More detailed studies may show that it is better recognized as a subspecies of P. ornatus. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53350706261CFA5B19F5F315.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Endemic to Gebe I, in the North Moluccas, Indonesia. A cuscus photographed on Uranie I (W of Gebe I and N of Waigeo I) by K. D. Bishop most closely resembles the Gebe Cuscus and suggests it may be more widespread on islands between Halmahera and Waigeo Is.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53350706261CFA5B19F5F315.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head — body c. 45 cm, tail ¢. 36 cm; weight 2 - 5 kg. The Gebe Cuscus has reddish-orange crown and shoulders, gray back with silver fur highlights, and tan to gray face and limbs, with dorsal stripe evident on head and less evident on shoulders and upper back, and greenish eyes. Skull is very similar to the Moluccan Cuscus (P. ornatus), with a prominent diastema between upper incisor and canine. The Gebe Cuscus differs from the Moluccan Cuscus and the Obi Cuscus (P. rothschildi) in being larger on average, having proportionally smaller teeth, and especially in color from the Obi Cuscus that usually lacks orange color on anterior body.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53350706261CFA5B19F5F315.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Tall secondary growth and along primary forest edges from sea level to elevations of 300 m. Flora of Gebe Island is composed mainly of “ maquis-like ” (Mediterranean shrublands) vegetation, with tall forest growing on raised limestone areas and along drainages.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53350706261CFA5B19F5F315.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but the diet of the Gebe Cuscus is presumably similar to the Moluccan Cuscus and the Obi Cuscus.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53350706261CFA5B19F5F315.taxon	breeding	Breeding. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53350706261CFA5B19F5F315.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53350706261CFA5B19F5F315.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53350706261CFA5B19F5F315.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Endangered on The IUCN Red List. The Gebe Cuscus is considered endemic to a small island with an extent of occurrence of c. 150 km? and its distribution is considered a “ single location ” (although it may be found on other islands). The Gebe Cuscusis thought to be experiencing a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat. It is threatened by hunting for food and habitat loss through conversion of forest for mining and agricultural use, although it apparently persists in traditional garden habitats.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062317F7161AC1FA9B.taxon	materials_examined	“ Island of Batchian ” (= Bacan Island), North Moluccas, Indonesia.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062317F7161AC1FA9B.taxon	synonymic_list	Subspecies and Distribution. P. o. ornatusGray, 1860 — EtipofNSulawesi, andthelargerNorthMoluccanIs (Halmahera, Bacan, andMorotai). P. o. matabiru Flannery & Boeadi, 1995 — smaller North Moluccan Is (Ternate and Tidore).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062317F7161AC1FA9B.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 35 - 5 — 42 cm, tail 28.5 - 36 cm; weight 1.2 - 2.2 kg. Usual fur of the Moluccan Cuscus is light brown to yellow or orange, with adults having highly irregular white patches and spotting and narrow dark dorsalstripe. Skull of the Moluccan Cuscus is small to medium-sized (condylobasal length 67 - 85 mm), with a prominent diastema between incisor and canine. In the population of the Moluccan Cuscus from Ternate (more occasionally from elsewhere), iris is blue.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062317F7161AC1FA9B.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Primary tropical moist and secondary forest, rural gardens, and other degraded habitats.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062317F7161AC1FA9B.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The Moluccan Cuscusis folivorous — frugivorous and has been observed eating fruits of nutmeg in rural gardens.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062317F7161AC1FA9B.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Several observations of Moluccan Cuscuses in January found young ofall stages of development from newborn to subadult (weighing 900 g). No females were observed carrying more than one young.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062317F7161AC1FA9B.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. Moluccan Cuscuses are nocturnal and have been observed sleeping by day on tree branches, including those of a durian tree (Durio zibethinus, Malvaceae).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062317F7161AC1FA9B.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062317F7161AC1FA9B.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Although the Moluccan Cuscus is an island endemic with an extent of occurrence little more than 20,000 km? it is thought to have a large and reasonably stable population and seems to be tolerant to some degree of habitat degradation. The subspecies matabiru, which has sometimes been regarded as a separate species, is classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List because ofits small insular distribution, threats from hunting, and its occurrence on Ternate Island with an active volcano.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062319FDD11EA4F7A7.taxon	materials_examined	“ Peleng Island, Celebes ” (= Sulawesi, Indonesia).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062319FDD11EA4F7A7.taxon	discussion	Some recent authors have included this species in the genus Strigocuscus, but others have traditionally retained it within Phalanger. Molecular genetic studies show thatit is more closely allied phylogenetically to species of Phalanger and best classified in that genus. This species is endemic to Indonesia where it is recorded only from Peleng and the Sulislands, east of Sulawesi. It is likely also to occur in geographically intervening islands of the Banggai Archipelago between Peleng and Taliabu islands. Two subspecies recognized.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062319FDD11EA4F7A7.taxon	synonymic_list	Subspecies and Distribution. P. p. pelengensisTate, 1945 — BanggaiArchipelago (PelengI). P. p. mendeni Feiler, 1978 — Sula Is (Taliabu, Seho, Mangole, and Sanana).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062319FDD11EA4F7A7.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head — body 35 - 37 cm, tail 25 - 30 cm; weight 1.1 - 1.2 kg. The Peleng Cuscusis relatively small and most closely resembles the Small Sulawesi Cuscus (Strigocuscus celebensis) externally, but it has a tawny to orange-brown dorsum instead of a uniform grayish-brown body color, and it has a yellow belly instead of white. The Peleng Cuscus resembles the Obi Cuscus (P. rothschildi) in color and size but lacks mid-dorsalstripe.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062319FDD11EA4F7A7.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Common in secondary growth and gardens on Mangole, Taliabu, and Pulau Seho islands. The Peleng Cuscus also likely occurs in primary forests.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062319FDD11EA4F7A7.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The Peleng Cuscusis folivorous — frugivorous and feeds in cultivated trees in traditional agricultural garden habitats.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062319FDD11EA4F7A7.taxon	breeding	Breeding. The Peleng Cuscus breeds throughout the year and produces one offspring at a ume.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062319FDD11EA4F7A7.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Peleng Cuscus is no doubt nocturnal, sleeping in trees by day.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062319FDD11EA4F7A7.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533507062319FDD11EA4F7A7.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List (as Strigocuscus pelengensis). Although distribution of the Peleng Cuscusis relatively small, it is apparently common where it occurs and appears to be versatile in the face of some degree of habitat degradation. Further study is needed to better understand the conservation status of the Peleng Cuscus.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C8F936150BFA03.taxon	materials_examined	“ Insulae Aru, prope Giabu-Lengan ” (= Gialnhegen Island, Aru Islands, Indonesia). Restricted by van der Feen in 1962 to “ village on the west coast of Wokam I., Aru Is. ”	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C8F936150BFA03.taxon	discussion	This species has sometimes been placed in the genus Strigocuscus, but it belongs in the genus Phalanger. Two subspecies are sometimes recognized (nominate gymnotis, either considered restricted to the Aru Islands or to the Aru Islands plus lowland New Guinea, and leucippus named by O. Thomas in 1898, either considered to occur across New Guinea or to be restricted to the mountains of New Guinea), but the basis for subspecies recognition is not well documented and patterns of variation within this species require careful taxonomic attention. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C8F936150BFA03.taxon	distribution	Distribution. [Lowlands and mountains of New Guinea, also in various land-bridge islands off W New Guinea, including, Yapen, Salawati, Misool, and Aru Is.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C8F936150BFA03.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head — body 31 - 54 cm, tail 29 - 39.5 cm; weight 1.5 - 5 kg. The Ground Cuscus is a medium-sized or relatively large cuscus with a powerful body. Its pelage is gray to gray-brown dorsally, with dark dorsal stripe and pale ear flashes; coarsely tuberculated tail that lacks fur for one-half its length and often terminates in a white tip; and relatively small ears. Skull is medium to large (condylobasal length 74 - 96 mm) and robustly built, with narrow rostrum and wide zygomata. Secator (third upper premolar) is very large (proportionally larger than in any other phalangerid), set at an acute angle to molar row, and projects considerably higher than crowns of upper molars. Ground Cuscuses from montane forests at elevations above 1000 - 1500 m have considerably smaller bodies with longer and softer fur than those from lowland habitats.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C8F936150BFA03.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Forested habitats from sea level to elevations of ¢. 2700 m but most commonly encountered at elevations of 500 - 1500 m.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C8F936150BFA03.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The Ground Cuscus is primarily folivorous — frugivorous, but it also eats some animal matter. Plants reported in the diet include fruits of the genera Elaeocarpus (Elaeocarpaceae), Ficus (Moraceae), Garcinia (Clusiaceae), Pipturus (Urticaceae), and Pandanus (Pandanaceae), and the herbs Oenanthe (Apiaceae) and Rungia (Acanthaceae). Ferns (Pneumatopteris) are also apparently important in the diet, and it is known to eat a variety of other plant matter, including garden weeds (Erechtites, Asteraceae), sweet potato, and bananas. The Ground Cuscus reportedly feeds opportunistically on small vertebrates (rodents and lizards). Several observations suggest that females carry food in their pouches back to their dens.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C8F936150BFA03.taxon	breeding	Breeding. The Ground Cuscus produces one offspring at a time, with young recorded throughout much of the year (April-October), suggesting no distinct breeding season. When not in estrous, captive female Ground Cuscuses are often incompatible and fight with each other, which can result in severe lacerations. Individuals caught in the wild often have torn ears, facial scars, and missing digits, suggesting they frequently fight with each other. Observations of captive individuals suggest they leave the pouch at ¢. 108 days old and stay out regularly at c. 138 days old (when they may ride on the mother’s back), and remain permanently out of the pouch at 160 - 200 days old. Captive individuals are known to live for at least eleven years.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C8F936150BFA03.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. The Ground Cuscus is nocturnal and rests by day in holes in the ground (dens or “ lairs ”) under tree roots, along steep banks of streams and rivers, among rocks and boulders, in thickets of vegetation, or in caves or manmade tunnels. They may occasionally sleep in hollow logs or hollows in trees situated low off the ground. Observations from hunters also suggest that Ground Cuscuses sun themselves outside their burrows in the early morning.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C8F936150BFA03.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. Ground Cuscuses produce noises including hindfoot thumping, hissing, and repeated, noisy, cough-like honks. Both sexes are known to scent-mark by dribbling urine and producing a creamy-white secretion from cloacal glands. This secretion is produced as a stream as hips are swayed rhythmically from side to side, which leaves a curved line of scent on substrate. Observations of captive Ground Cuscuses indicate that they move in a slow deliberate manner and they can adopt an upright bipedal position when fighting, enabling them to strike out using their forelimbs.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C8F936150BFA03.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. The Ground Cuscus has a wide distribution and large overall population, and it appears to tolerate a variety of habitats including degraded habitats. Although the Ground Cuscus 1 s hunted and may be extirpated in some local areas, these impacts are not considered severe enough to warrant placing it in a threatened conservation category.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C7FEC41A50F947.taxon	materials_examined	“ Loiwuj, Great Obi, Moluccas ” (= Pulau Obi or Obira, Moluccas, Indonesia).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C7FEC41A50F947.taxon	discussion	This species is monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C7FEC41A50F947.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Obi, Bisa, and Obilatu (= Obi-Latoe) Is in the NC Moluccas, Indonesia.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C7FEC41A50F947.taxon	description	Descriptive or notes. Head-body 36 - 39 cm, tail 30 - 33.5 cm; weight 1.1 - 1.4 kg. The Obi Cuscus is a relatively small cuscus (condylobasal length 65 - 69 mm). Skull of the Obi Cuscus is similar to that of the Moluccan Cuscus (P. ornatus) and the Gebe Cuscus (P. alexandrae), and it bears a prominent diastema between incisor and canine but is smaller than those species and has smaller teeth. The Obi Cuscus has two color morphs: orange-brown or gray dorsal fur with dark underfur. Ventral fur is white to yellow. Dark dorsal stripe extends from head to mid-back or rump.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C7FEC41A50F947.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Primary forest and regrowth habitats.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C7FEC41A50F947.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. Similar to other cuscuses, the Obi Cuscus is likely to be folivorous — frugivorous. Chewed acorns have been found under a large fruiting Lithocarpus (Fagaceae) used by Obi Cuscuses.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C7FEC41A50F947.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Female Obi Cuscuses collected in January had one young each, with sizes ranging from only 2 cm in length up to 99 g in body mass.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C7FEC41A50F947.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Obi Cuscus is no doubt nocturnal and spends its day resting in the canopy.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C7FEC41A50F947.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070723C7FEC41A50F947.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Although the Obi Cuscus has a small extent of occurrence (less than 3000 km?) and is known only from three islands, it is thought to be relatively tolerant of habitat degradation, and the population is thought to be stable.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070426CCF9F21FFCFE6B.taxon	materials_examined	“ Woodlark Island ” (= Murua Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070426CCF9F21FFCFE6B.taxon	discussion	This species is monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070426CCF9F21FFCFE6B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Woodlark I, the adjacent Madeu I, and tiny, isolated Alcester I (where it may have been introduced), off the E coast of SE New Guinea.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070426CCF9F21FFCFE6B.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 33 - 41 cm, tail 27.5 - 34.5 cm; weight 1.5 - 2 kg. The Woodlark Cuscus is a medium-sized cuscus, highly distinctive in its color pattern. Dorsalfuris variably blotched and irregularly mottled with brown, ginger, and white; ventral fur has dark irregular spots on white fur. Color is quite variable among individuals, from predominantly dark brown with pale spots to mainly ginger with a few paler and darker spots. Darkened dorsal stripe or streak is apparent on head and shoulders, and rhinarium is pink. Skull of the Woodlark Cuscus is similar in overall appearance to that of the Moluccan Cuscus (P. ornatus) but lacks prominent gap between upper incisor and canine.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070426CCF9F21FFCFE6B.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Primary and secondary forests. On Woodlark Island, the Woodlark Cuscusis more common in drier habitats of the eastern lowland than in the west where the forest is considerably denser.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070426CCF9F21FFCFE6B.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. Similar to other cuscuses, Woodlark Cuscuses likely eat mostly foliage and fruit. Local people say that favorite food of Woodlark Cuscuses is nectar from a vine and a tree Rhus taitensis (Anacardiaceae) that quickly grow up in old gardens.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070426CCF9F21FFCFE6B.taxon	breeding	Breeding. A female Woodlark Cuscus with two enlarged teats was observed in August, and another female caught the same day had one enlarged teat and a 440 g young on her back. Other females caught in August had pouch young weighing 10 - 23 g, or were parous but had no young. These and other limited observations suggest that breeding of Woodlark Cuscuses occurs over an extended period.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070426CCF9F21FFCFE6B.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. The Woodlark Cuscus is nocturnal. During the day, it rests under epiphytes or within tree hollows, emerging shortly after nightfall.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070426CCF9F21FFCFE6B.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. Little is known about social behavior of Woodlark Cuscuses. They are known to produce several vocalizations including barks, snarls, and a whining cry that has been compared with the sound of a human infant. These calls have been associated with foraging.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5334070426CCF9F21FFCFE6B.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Endangered on The IUCN Red List. The single major conservation threat to the Woodlark Cuscusis a planned oil palm development by a Malaysian biofuels company. If this occurs, it will result in the clearing of most of the native forests on the island. Local people hunt the Woodlark Cuscus for food, but it is not a preferred food item (pigs and fish are more important). They are hunted during the gardening season and when fishing conditions are poor. Despite hunting, Woodlark Cuscuses remain common, even around settlement areas. Other potential threats include human-mediated introductions of other cuscus species, such as the Eastern Common Cuscus (P intercastellanus) and the Northern Common Cuscus (P. orientalis), which occur or have been introduced on many other Melanesian islands and might interbreed with the Woodlark Cuscus.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53370704231DF3111886F853.taxon	materials_examined	“ D’Entrecasteaux ” (= Fergusson, D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea). This species has often been included within the closely related species P. orientalis. Populations from the Trans-Fly region of New Guinea, Aru Islands, and Cape York Peninsula of Australia, included in P. intercastellanus in the past, are now regarded as a separate species, P. mimicus. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53370704231DF3111886F853.taxon	distribution	Distribution. EE New Guinea, from the Markham Valley and the Huon Gulf S through the entire SE peninsula of Papua New Guinea, N and S of the Central Range. It occurs widely on islands off the SE coast, including the D’Entrecasteaux, Trobriand, and Louisiade archipelagos (Goodenough, Normanby, Fergusson, Kiriwina, Rossel, Sudest, Sariba, Sideia, and Itoh Is).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53370704231DF3111886F853.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 35 - 45 cm, tail 27.5 - 32.5 cm; weight 1.4 - 2.2 kg. The Eastern Common Cuscus is a medium-sized cuscus (condylobasal length 70 - 87 mm), averaging smaller than the Northern Common Cuscus (P. orientalis) but larger than the Southern Common Cuscus (P mimicus). The Eastern Common Cuscus 1 s an extremely variable species in terms of color, ranging from white to gray to reddish-brown. Color is generally sexually dichromatic; males are usually grayish-white, and females are usually gray or brown. Body has prominent dorsalstripe, and tail is dark-tipped.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53370704231DF3111886F853.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Primary and secondary tropical moist forest, especially in lowlands, from sea level to elevations of ¢. 1250 m. The Eastern Common Cuscus is a fairly adaptable species; it is also found in rural gardens and thrives in island contexts.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53370704231DF3111886F853.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Eastern Common Cuscusis primarily folivorous — frugivorous.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53370704231DF3111886F853.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Pouch young of Eastern Common Cuscuses have been observed on Kiriwina Island in August and dependent young (240 - 265 g) on Normanby Island in December. Twin births of Eastern Common Cuscuses may be less common than in closely related Northern Common Cuscuses.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53370704231DF3111886F853.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Eastern Common Cuscus is no doubt nocturnal, like other species of Phalanger.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53370704231DF3111886F853.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F53370704231DF3111886F853.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. CITES Appendix II. Classified as Least Concern on The [UCN Red List. The Eastern Common Cuscus has a relatively wide distribution and presumably a large overall population. It also appears to be able to tolerate some degree of habitat modification. Major conservation threats include local hunting for food and habitat loss from logging and development of large-scale plantations, especially oil palm.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707042302FE2B1E1EF3A0.taxon	materials_examined	“ Amboyna ” (= Ambon Island, Moluccas, Indonesia).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707042302FE2B1E1EF3A0.taxon	discussion	Subfossil records from a handful of islands (New Ireland Island in the Bismarcks, Buka Island in the Solomons, and Timor in the Lesser Sundas) demonstrate that this species has been widely introduced by humans to islands where it is not part of the original, native fauna (in some cases going back 10000 - 20000 years before the present), both east and west ofits original distribution in New Guinea (and perhaps New Britain Island, likely to be the original homeland of the subspecies breviceps). Two subspecies recognized.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707042302FE2B1E1EF3A0.taxon	synonymic_list	Subspecies and Distribution. P. o. orientalisPallas, 1766 — W & NNewGuineafromtheBird’sHead (= Vogelkop) PeninsulatotheLaearea, andadjacentislands (Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, Misool, Yapen, Biak, Supiori, Numfor, SuMios, Karkar, Bagabag, [. ong, andVokeo), alsointheC & SMoluccasandELesserSundas (Seram, Ambon, Buru, Saparua, Gorong, Banda, Kai, andBabarIs), mostlikelyintroducedbyhumansinseveralotherislands (Timor, Wetar, andLet). P. o. breviceps Thomas, 1888 — likely native to New Britain I in the Bismarck Archipelago, but distributed throughout the Bismarck Archipelago and Solomon Is, apparently mostly by human-mediated introduction (Umboi, Duke of York, New Ireland, Lihir, Tabar, Boang, Manus, Nissan, Buka, Bougainville, Alu, Fauro, Mono, Vella Lavella, New Georgia, Ganongga, Gatukai, Rendova, Molakobi, Komachu, Choiseul, Ysabel, Russell, Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira Is).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707042302FE2B1E1EF3A0.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head — body 30 - 50 cm, tail 28 - 42.5 cm; weight 1.6 - 5 kg. Due to the remarkable variability of the Northern Common Cuscus throughoutits distribution (especially size, e. g. condylobasal length 68 - 96 mm, and color), it can be difficult to identify. Typically, it is large and sexually dimorphic (males larger) and has short, slightly coarse coat and typically has dark dorsal stripe. Island populations can vary from being all white (especially Moluccas) to dark chocolate brown or blackish (especially at highest elevations in the Solomon Islands). On mainland New Guinea, male Northern Common Cuscuses are grayish, females are more reddish brown, and juveniles are reddish or gray. Females generally have white tail tip. There is no prominent diastema between upper canine and incisor. Secator (large upper premolar) is variable in size but relatively small compared with other large New Guinean species of Phalanger.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707042302FE2B1E1EF3A0.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Variety of forested habitats, including primary mossy forest and other primary forests, and old gardens. The Northern Common Cuscus is a widespread and occurs from sea level up to elevations of ¢. 1500 m in New Guinea (occurring higher in some of its insular distribution in the absence of other congeners). Anecdotal observations suggest that the Northern Common Cuscus can be more common in some gardens with greater concentrations of edible plants than in primary forest.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707042302FE2B1E1EF3A0.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. For such a widespread species, diets of Northern Common Cuscuses have been poorly studied, but it appears to be folivorous — frugivorous. It also feeds on bark. Fruits of the tree genera Diospyros, Eugenia, Pandanus, and Gnetum have been recorded in the diet. There are observations of the Northern Common Cuscus, the Ground Cuscus (P. gymnotis), and Stein’s Cuscus (P. vestitus) congregating at fruiting trees of Lithocarpus (Fagaceae).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707042302FE2B1E1EF3A0.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Twin Northern Common Cuscuses have been recorded and may be the modal number of young produced. Young have been recorded in March, May, June, July, October, and November, suggesting little or no seasonality in breeding.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707042302FE2B1E1EF3A0.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Northern Common Cuscus is no doubt nocturnal and sleeps in arboreal dens.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707042302FE2B1E1EF3A0.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no specific information available for this species, but Northern Common Cuscus may communicate with a call that sounds like a small dog.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707042302FE2B1E1EF3A0.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. CITES Appendix II. Classified as Least Concern on The [UCN Red List. The Northern Common Cuscus has a wide distribution and a very large overall population. It is tolerant of some habitat degradation, and has been very widely introduced into areas where it is not native.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707052604F8031D87FCC1.taxon	materials_examined	“ Coastal region south of Nassau Range ... Parimau, Mimika River. Alt. 250 ° ” (Papua Province, Indonesia).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707052604F8031D87FCC1.taxon	discussion	This species was long regarded as a subspecies of P. orientalis and more recently as a synonym of P. intercastellanus, before being recognized as a distinct species. No subspecies are recognized, but further study may show that some regional populations (such as the population found on Cape York in Australia, previously recognized as the form peninsulae) are best recognized as distinct subspecies. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707052604F8031D87FCC1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. New Guinea S lowlands and Aru Is and in the Iron Range-Mcllwraith Range block of rainforest on E Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707052604F8031D87FCC1.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 33 - 40 cm, tail 28 - 35 cm; weight 1.5 - 2.2 kg. The Southern Common Cuscus is a small to medium-sized cuscus (condylobasal length 70 - 82 mm). Overall color is grayish-brown dorsally and off-white ventrally. In New Guinean populations, females are redder brown in overall color than gray-brown males. Dorsal stripe runs from head to rump. Skull and molars of the Southern Common Cuscus are smaller than in the Northern Common Cuscus (P. orientalis) and the Eastern Common Cuscus (P. intercastellanus), and skull is different in overall shape, especially in that zygomatic arches run parallel to midline of skull or diverge rostrally.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707052604F8031D87FCC1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Secondary forests, gallery forest near rivers, gardens, and some degraded habitat in New Guinea and rainforest, semi-deciduous mesophyll vine forest, notophyll vine forest, and evergreen notophyll vine forest in Australia.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707052604F8031D87FCC1.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. In Australia, Southern Common Cuscuses feed on green fruits of red cedar (Toona australis, Meliaceae), flowers of corky bark (Carallia brachiata, Rhizophoraceae), and leaves of various trees. One stomach examined was filled with paste of seeds from black bean trees (Castanospermum austral, Fabaceae).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707052604F8031D87FCC1.taxon	breeding	Breeding. In Australia, single births and twins of Southern Common Cuscuses have been recorded.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707052604F8031D87FCC1.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. Southern Common Cuscuses are nocturnal and shelter by day in tree hollows. Pythons are thought to be important predators.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707052604F8031D87FCC1.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. In Australia, densities of occurrence of Southern Common Cuscuses are regarded as low, with one individual seen, on average, every 2 - 5 hours of spotlighting in lowland and upland forests. The Southern Common Cuscus is thought to be solitary.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533707052604F8031D87FCC1.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. CITES Appendix II. Classified as Least Concern on The [UCN Red List. The Southern Common Cuscus has a wide distribution and presumably a large overall population. It also occurs in protected areas such as Iron Range and Kulla (Mcllwraith Range) national parks in Australia and tolerates some level of habitat modification.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2FC8C1D65F6BE.taxon	materials_examined	“ upper Sol River Valley, Telefomin area, West Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, 5 ° 06 ’ S 141 ° 42 ° E, 2,600 m. ”	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2FC8C1D65F6BE.taxon	discussion	This species is monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2FC8C1D65F6BE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Restricted to Telefomin area in C New Guinea.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2FC8C1D65F6BE.taxon	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.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2FC8C1D65F6BE.taxon	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).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2FC8C1D65F6BE.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2FC8C1D65F6BE.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Two young Telefomin Cuscuses were reported in February and March, and a female with an enlarged teat was observed in August.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2FC8C1D65F6BE.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. Anecdotal information suggests that the Telefomin Cuscus is nocturnal and often sleeps among stones but sometimes in trees.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2FC8C1D65F6BE.taxon	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.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2FC8C1D65F6BE.taxon	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.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2F67D172FFABE.taxon	materials_examined	“ les monts Karons ” (= Karons Mountains, Tamrau Range, Vogelkop Peninsula, West Papua, Indonesia).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2F67D172FFABE.taxon	distribution	Subspecies and Distribution. P. v. vestitusMilne-Edwards, 1877 — Bird's Head (= Vogelkop) Peninsula (ArfakandTamrauMts, 1200 - 2200 m). P. v. interpositusStein, 1933 — WeylandMtsofWCentralRange, perhapsalsoincludingStar (= Jayawijaya) MtspopulationsinthemiddleoftheCentralRange, 1400 - 2000 m. P. v. permixtio Menzies & Pernetta, 1986 — E Central Range in Papua New Guinea, 1000 - 1600 m.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2F67D172FFABE.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head — body 3548 - 5 cm, tail 29 - 36 cm; weight 1.4 - 2.4 kg. Stein’s Cuscus is a medium-sized cuscus (condylobasal length 72 - 82 mm), broadly equivalent in size to the two other widespread montane endemic cuscuses in New Guinea, the Mountain Cuscus (P. carmelitae) and the Silky Cuscus (P. sericeus). Color of Stein’s Cuscus is variable across its distribution. In central and western parts of its distribution, it has a distinct white elbow patch, not seen in any other species of phalangerid. Stein’s Cuscus differs from the Mountain Cuscus and the Silky Cuscus in having gray or silvery rather than blackish fur and relatively broad dark dorsal stripe. It also differs from the Northern Common Cuscus (P. orientalis) in having a broaderstripe and longerfur. Tail of Stein’s Cuscus is naked and little tuberculated (except in males) at the base relative to all other species of phalangerids, except the Silky Cuscus.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2F67D172FFABE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lower and mid-montane primary forests. In areas where Stein’s Cuscus has been best studied, it inhabits primary oak forest and appears to tolerate only a limited amount of disturbance. Stein’s Cuscus can be found in the same forests with congeners including the Silky Cuscus, Mountain Cuscus, Ground Cuscus (P. gymnotis), and the Telefomin Cuscus (P. matanim).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2F67D172FFABE.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. Like other species of phalangerids, Stein’s Cuscus is primarily folivorous — frugivorous. Based on studies of stomach contents, it also consumes flowers, flower buds, and pollen. Other observations have found them to eat acorns from Lithocarpus and Castanopsis (both Fagaceae). One observation of cecotrophy was recorded in a captive individual.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2F67D172FFABE.taxon	breeding	Breeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but Stein’s Cuscus produces one offspring at a time.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2F67D172FFABE.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. Stein’s Cuscus is nocturnal and typically solitary. Sleeping sites include tree hollows and bases of hollow tree trunks.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2F67D172FFABE.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070523C2F67D172FFABE.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Principal conservation threats to Stein’s Cuscus include extensive clearing of habitat and widespread hunting. Areas where it primarily occurs are in the elevational range most favored for traditional gardens, so it is likely that its habitat is disturbed throughout most ofits potential distribution.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070226C6FA7D1D91FD7C.taxon	materials_examined	“ Owgarra, Angabunga River (near the Aroa River), S. E. New Guinea. Altitude 6000. ”	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070226C6FA7D1D91FD7C.taxon	discussion	Two subspecies are recognized.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070226C6FA7D1D91FD7C.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 37 - 5 — 46 cm, tail 27 - 32 cm; weight 1.7 - 2.4 kg. The Silky Cuscusis a medium-sized cuscus (condylobasal length 70 - 85 mm). It can be identified by a combination of very thick, dark, silky fur; a smooth tail; small, conical third premolar; absent upper second premolar; and only one or two lower unicuspids. These features help to distinguish the Silky Cuscus from the Mountain Cuscus (P. carmelitae), with which it is most easily confused, and Stein’s Cuscus (P. vestitus), with which it was taxonomically confused in the past. Externally, the Silky Cuscus and the Mountain Cuscus can be distinguished most easily by the tail, which is not tuberculated in the Silky Cuscus (strongly so in the Mountain Cuscus) and has a short white tip if present at all (usually longer, prominent, white tip in the Mountain Cuscus).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070226C6FA7D1D91FD7C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Most primary montane forests along the Central Range at elevations of c. 1500 m to the tree line at ¢. 3900 m. The Silky Cuscus is uncommon in primary oak forest in the Telefomin region at elevations of ¢. 1500 m, where it is sympatric with the Ground Cuscus, the Telefomin Cuscus, the Mountain Cuscus, and Stein’s Cuscus. In more disturbed forests, such as on Mount Albert Edward, the Silky Cuscus appears to be restricted to a higher elevation of ¢. 2000 m, where it is sympatric with the Mountain Cuscus. In this region, the Silky Cuscus is most common at elevations of 2900 - 3100 m. Due to their adaptation to higher elevations where they naturally occur, Silky Cuscuses appear to readily suffer heat stress if moved to lower elevations.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070226C6FA7D1D91FD7C.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The Silky Cuscus appears to be mostly folivorous, with more than 90 % of its diet being leaves and the remainder fruits. Genera of plants eaten by Silky Cuscuses include Acronychia (Rutaceae), Elaeocarpus (Elaeocarpaceae), Eurya (Pentaphylacaceae), Garcinia (Clusiaceae), Litsea (Lauraceae), Planchonella (Sapotaceae), Podocarpus (Podocarpaceae), Syzygium (Myrtaceae), and Trema (Cannabaceae). Leaves of regrowth plants and fruit of Casuarina (Casuarinaceae) and Cordyline (Asparagaceae) are also eaten; leaves of Pandanus (Pandanaceae) are masticated and fiber spat out.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070226C6FA7D1D91FD7C.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Limited observations of breeding characteristics of Silky Cuscuses include a single pouch young recorded in December, another female with a single enlarged nipple in December, and a female with a young on her back in December. Two females were observed in late April with single young on their backs, weighing 740 g and 910 g.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070226C6FA7D1D91FD7C.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. The Silky Cuscus is nocturnal and rests during the day in hollows of large rainforest trees. There are reports of them nesting on the ground among stones and in tree stumps. Field observations showed that male Mountain Cuscuses used up to 22 dens / year that were spaced an average of 97 m apart; a radio-collared female used nine dens in 61 days. During the night, Silky Cuscuses spend ¢. 50 % oftheir time eating, ¢. 25 % resting, and the remainder traveling.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070226C6FA7D1D91FD7C.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. Male Silky Cuscuses travel an average of 50 m / h. When captured, Silky Cuscuses can emit a loud barking snarl; another call resembles crying of a very young human baby.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5336070226C6FA7D1D91FD7C.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. The Silky Cuscus has a wide distribution and presumably a large overall population. It is threatened especially by hunting for food.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533107022306FD3F1513F97D.taxon	materials_examined	“ Mountainous part of the Vanapa River, British New Guinea ” (= Central Province, Papua New Guinea).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533107022306FD3F1513F97D.taxon	discussion	Two subspecies are recognized.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533107022306FD3F1513F97D.taxon	synonymic_list	Subspecies and Distribution. P c. carmelitae Thomas, 1898 — New Guinea Central Range, from the Wissel Lakes of Papua, Indonesia, in the W, to mountains of far SE Papua New Guinea in the E. P. c. coccygis Thomas, 1922 — Huon Peninsula Mts, Papua New Guinea.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533107022306FD3F1513F97D.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 37 - 43 cm, tail 31 - 365 cm; weight 1.7 - 2.6 kg. The Mountain Cuscus has thick, dark (chocolate-brown to blackish, occasionally dark grayish-brown), woolly fur covering most of its body, with a white belly. Tail is black, with a white distal tip, and coarsely tuberculated. Skull is medium-sized (condylobasal length 70 - 88 mm) with a relatively short rostrum, large posterior upper premolar (secator) and molars, second upper premolar always present, and three unicuspids on each side of lower jaw. The Mountain Cuscus is most easily confused with the Silky Cuscus (P. sericeus), in which tail is not tuberculated, white tail tip is shorter or absent, second upper premolar is lacking, and number of unicuspids on each side of lowerjaw is usually one or two.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533107022306FD3F1513F97D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mid-montane to upper montane primary forests, with little disturbance, at elevations of 1350 - 3800 m throughout the Central Range and Huon Peninsula of New Guinea. The Mountain Cuscus occurs in sympatry with many congeners, such the Silky Cuscus, Stein’s Cuscus (P. vestitus), the Ground Cuscus (P. gymnotis), and the Telefomin Cuscus (P. matanim), especially in the Star Mountains region.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533107022306FD3F1513F97D.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. Feeding observations of Mountain Cuscuses have revealed that they are folivorous — frugivorous, with ¢. 80 % of the diet including leaves and 18 - 20 % including fruits, with small amounts of flowers and bark. Plants eaten by Mountain Cuscuses include Fuodia (Rutaceae), Freycinetia (Pandanaceae), Garcinia (Clusiaceae), Helicia (Proteaceae), Illex (Aquifoliaceae), Litsea (Lauraceae), Pandanus (Pandanaceae), Podocarpus (Podocarpaceae), Sphenostemon (Paracryphiaceae), and Syzygium (Myrtaceae). A captive Mountain Cuscus reportedly killed and ate a pet lorikeet (Loriinae) placed in the same enclosure; it also ate leaves of Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae), a common regrowth shrub of the highlands, and softer parts of stems of Casuarina (Casuarinaceae). Mountain Cuscuses also eat fruits of Pandanus and epiphytic orchids.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533107022306FD3F1513F97D.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Female Mountain Cuscuses give birth to a single young, with births reported in February, April, August, and September, which may indicate year-round breeding.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533107022306FD3F1513F97D.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. The Mountain Cuscus is nocturnal and has been observed resting by day in arboreal hideouts, including tree hollows and in tangles of epiphytes and fronds of Pandanus. Field observations have found male Mountain Cuscuses using 11 - 13 dens / year that were spaced an average of 115 m apart; females used 12 - 19 dens / year that were spaced an average of 124 m apart. During the night, Mountain Cuscuses spend ¢. 40 % of their time eating, c. 25 % resting, and the remainder traveling.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533107022306FD3F1513F97D.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. Male Mountain Cuscuses move an average of 59 m / h while traversing a home range of c. 4 ha; females travel an average of 37 m / h in home ranges averaging 2 - 8 ha. Overlap of adjacent home rangesis small, with male home ranges overlapping by an average of only 0 - 22 % and females by only 0 - 05 %.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533107022306FD3F1513F97D.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. The Mountain Cuscus is hunted by local people for food throughout much of its distribution, and significant habitat loss is taking place in parts of its distribution, mostly by deforestation of land for subsistence agriculture. Nevertheless, where it is not hunted, it is abundant in suitable habitat.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032301F40C151CF8FB.taxon	discussion	This species is monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032301F40C151CF8FB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Endemic to Waigeo I and the adjacent Gam I in the Raja AmpatIs, off the W coast of New Guinea. It may also occur on nearby Batanta I.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032301F40C151CF8FB.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 47 - 2 — 56: 9 cm, tail 47.2 - 55.7 cm; weight c. 2: 6 kg. The Waigeo Spotted Cuscus differs from other spotted cuscuses in that both sexes are spotted. Entire underside and base color of the dorsum are creamcolored, and spots are dark brown or blackish extending over back, head, and limbs. Tail is usually marked with gold or red-brown spotting, and dorsum is usually covered in yellowish wash and often exhibits lighter yellowish and brownish mottling. Although both sexes are spotted, their patterns differ conspicuously: spots of males are big and blotchy and those of females are small and more discrete. The Waigeo Spotted Cuscus is smaller-bodied than the various species of Spilocuscus from mainland New Guinea, but it is larger (at least in skull size) compared with certain other insular species (e. g. Common Spotted Cuscus, S. maculatus; Admiralty Spotted Cuscus, S. kraemeri; and Blue-eyed Spotted Cuscus, S. wilsoni) and the Australian Spotted Cuscus (S. nudicaudatus). Tail length is less than head-body length. Iris is variable in color, ranging from red to hazel, light brown, or dark brown. Skull of the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus is highly distinctive; notable traits include narrowed large upper premolar, relatively small molars, uniquely short palatal vacuities, and very long anterior palatal (incisive) foramina. Second upper premolaris usually retained in adult dentition, and there are usually three lower unicuspids. As in the Black-spotted Cuscus (S. rufoniger), frontal on anterior margin of orbit of the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus typically contacts maxilla (highly variable in other spotted cuscus).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032301F40C151CF8FB.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Primary and secondary tropical moist forest.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032301F40C151CF8FB.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032301F40C151CF8FB.taxon	breeding	Breeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus produces one offspring at a time.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032301F40C151CF8FB.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus is reported to be active during the day and night.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032301F40C151CF8FB.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032301F40C151CF8FB.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. CITES Appendix II. Classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List. The Waigeo Spotted Cuscusis considered Vulnerable because its distribution is limited geographically, and it is susceptible to potential conservation threats such as increased hunting pressure or large-scale deforestation.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032300FE661D2CF44E.taxon	materials_examined	“ Sattelberg [= Huon Gulf], ” Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032300FE661D2CF44E.taxon	discussion	No subspecies are currently recognized, but a review of variation across the distribution of this species would be worthwhile. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032300FE661D2CF44E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. N New Guinea, from the Bird’s Head (= Vogelkop) Peninsula in the W to the Huon Peninsula in the E, and most probably including Yapen I. There are a small number of records from S New Guinea, from Lorentz (= Noord) River area and headwaters of Fly River.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032300FE661D2CF44E.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head — body 58 - 69 cm (mean 61 - 9 cm), tail 45 - 65 cm (mean 56 - 3 cm); weight 5.5 - 6.6 kg (mean 6 - 2 kg). The Black Spotted Cuscus is the largest phalangerid in New Guinea and could only be confused with the Common Spotted Cuscus (S. maculatus), from which it is nevertheless easily distinguished. Skins of male Black Spotted Cuscuses have cream undersides and cream base colors to dorsa, on which are overlaid intensely blackish (jet-black to maroon) spotting or blotching on mid-backs and upper hindlegs and intensely red-orange or golden fur on face, head, nape, shoulders, hands, feet, and sometimes body of limbs; tail is golden or whitish; and white fur of underside of throat and chin often extends as a crescent to cheeks and ears, contrasting with intense color of head. Female color is the same, except that back is not black-spotted but instead marked with a black saddle that extends over mid-back and hindlimbs. This pelage pattern can never be confused with adult pelage pattern of the Common Spotted Cuscus from northern New Guinea, in which individuals are only cream-colored or orange-brown and never have blackish or even dark-brown tones in mature pelage. Forequarters of Black Spotted Cuscuses from Bird's Head Peninsula are often more golden than deep red. Juvenile pelage is rather uniform red-brown in both sexes. Skull and teeth of the Black Spotted Cuscus are instantly identifiable. Skull is large (condylobasal length 107 - 125 mm). There are usually three unicuspids in lower jaw, spicule-like second premolar (dP?) is typically retained in adult dentition, and molars are more massive and more weakly crenulate than in other species of phalangerids. As in the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus (S. papuensis), on the anterior margin of the orbit, frontal typically contacts maxilla (highly variable in other taxa).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032300FE661D2CF44E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Undisturbed primary forests from sea level to elevations of ¢. 1200 m. The Black Spotted Cuscus is considered uncommon throughoutits distribution.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032300FE661D2CF44E.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Black Spotted Cuscus is presumably frugivorous — folivorous and is said to feed on acorns of Lithocarpus (Fagaceae).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032300FE661D2CF44E.taxon	breeding	Breeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Black Spotted Cuscus produces one offspring at a time.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032300FE661D2CF44E.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. Black Spotted Cuscuses sleep exposed on branches high in the canopy and have been observed to be active during the day and night. Predators include large pythons.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032300FE661D2CF44E.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007032300FE661D2CF44E.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Critically Endangered on The IUCN Red List. The Black Spotted Cuscus is threatened by habitat loss, expanding human populations and impacts, and hunting, including spread of firearms. It has undergone a suspected population decline in excess of 80 % over three generations (c. 15 years) due to levels of exploitation and habitat loss, including impacts from oil palm and logging concessions. There are no recent records of the Black Spotted Cuscus from the Bird’s Head or Huon peninsulas, and it may be extinct in these and other regions of former occurrence. In-depth field assessments are needed to understand the full extent of the current distribution of the Black Spotted Cuscus.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007002605F8BA1EBBFAB2.taxon	materials_examined	“ Admiralitats-Inseln [= Admiralty Islands], ” Papua New Guinea.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007002605F8BA1EBBFAB2.taxon	discussion	This species is monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007002605F8BA1EBBFAB2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Endemic to Admiralty (Manus, Los Negros, Ponam, Rambutyo, Pak I, Baluan, where it may be extinct, Lou, Ninigo group, Hermit Is including Luf, and Wuvulu) and Bismarck archipelagos of Papua New Guinea. In the Bismarcks, it is recorded from small Bali I adjacent to New Britain I and by a museum specimen, with a questionable provenance, from New Britain I itself.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007002605F8BA1EBBFAB2.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 31 - 57 cm (mean 46 - 2 cm), tail 25 - 59 cm (mean 41 - 5 cm); weight 1.9 - 3.2 kg (mean 2 - 4 kg). The Admiralty Spotted Cuscus is the smallest species of Spilocuscus, and the only species with condylobasal length averaging less than 90 mm. Usual color of Admiralty Spotted Cuscuses is unique to the genus; females are usually chocolate-brown dorsally from head to rump, including limbs, with face, ear flashes, hands, feet, rump, and tail colored reddish-brown and mid-venter creamy-white from breast to tail (sometimes including white patch on chin). Male Admiralty Spotted Cuscuses typically match this pattern except that chocolate brown parts of back are interspersed with creamy-white blotching or spotting, red-brown rump and tail are sometimes interspersed with white spotting, and white of venter extends in continuous line to chin. This pattern is most reminiscent of the Black-spotted Cuscus (S. rufoniger), but the Admiralty Spotted Cuscus lacks striking red-orange forequarters and head of the much larger Black-spotted Cuscus. All-white and partially melanistic Black-spotted Cuscuses occur at low frequency. Eye color of the Admiralty Spotted Cuscusis brown, and tail averages 10 % shorter than head-body length. Sexual dimorphism in skull size and head-body length are not significant, but females are 14 % heavier than males. Skull of the Black-spotted Cuscus is wide relative to length, and teeth are very large relative to cranial size. The Admiralty Spotted Cuscus exhibits a trend toward reduction in number of premolars more pronounced than in other species of spotted cuscuses. Second upper premolaris always lacking, and first premolar, generally well developed in species of Spilocuscus, is lacking in 13 % of Admiralty Spotted Cuscuses. Lower unicuspids number one or two in a ratio of 47: 53.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007002605F8BA1EBBFAB2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Common in all vegetation types ranging from undisturbed forest to gardens.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007002605F8BA1EBBFAB2.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. There is no specific information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007002605F8BA1EBBFAB2.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Limited observations suggest the Admiralty Spotted Cuscus breeds seasonally, giving birth generally to a single young in July-August, with pouch young observed in September — December (then later carried by mothers on their backs); young achieve independence byJune.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007002605F8BA1EBBFAB2.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Admiralty Spotted Cuscusis often seen in foliage close to the ground.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007002605F8BA1EBBFAB2.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533007002605F8BA1EBBFAB2.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. CITES Appendix II. Classified as Near Threatened on The IUCN Red List. Occurrence of the Admiralty Spotted Cuscus is limited to various small and medium-sized islands, but it is common in parts of its small distribution. Parts of its far-flung island distribution may result from human-mediated dispersal along networks of inter island trade. Interestingly, the Admiralty Spotted Cuscus is not represented in the modern fauna or zooarchaeological record of New Ireland, and modern populations of Spilocuscus from the St. Matthias Group and New Ireland represent the introduced Common Spotted Cuscus (S. maculatus) not the Admiralty Spotted Cuscus. Increasing human population pressures in its region of occurrence and low fecundity of this relatively long-lived animal are causes for concern. Very little recent information is available for populations from most islands. Populations of Admiralty Spotted Cuscuses should be closely monitored. It is commonly hunted and eaten throughout Manus Island and can be brought from the local Lorengau market in the east of the island.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070023C5FA651A42F438.taxon	materials_examined	“ Biak, Cenderawasih (= Geelvink) Bay (Papua, Indonesia). ”	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070023C5FA651A42F438.taxon	discussion	No subspecies have been described. Further taxonomic studies of the distinctness of this species compared with various regional representatives of S. maculatus are needed. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070023C5FA651A42F438.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Numfor, Supiori, and Biak Is in Cenderawasih Bay, NW New Guinea.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070023C5FA651A42F438.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 33.5 - 48 cm, tail 28.5 - 33 cm; weight 1.2 - 2.1 kg. The Blue-eyed Spotted Cuscus is a small species of spotted cuscus (condylobasal length of skull less than 95 mm). Pelage is all white or white with red-orange spotting. All-white color appears to be the predominant phase in males (although only small samples are available for study); in contrast, this is a more rare color form in male Common Spotted Cuscuses (S. maculatus), and more common in females, in northern New Guinean populations. The Blue-eyed Spotted Cuscus is the only species of Spilocuscus with blue or blue-green eyes; in all other species, irises are red-brown to hazel. Cheekteeth are relatively large, and tooth row is long relative to skull length. Zygomata are especially widely splayed.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070023C5FA651A42F438.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Primary and secondary forest.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070023C5FA651A42F438.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. One study of the diet of the Blue-eyed Spotted Cuscus reported percentages of food types as 76 - 1 % fruit, 13 - 4 % foliage, 9 % flowers, and 1: 5 % shoots.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070023C5FA651A42F438.taxon	breeding	Breeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Blue-eyed Spotted Cuscus produces one offspring at a time.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070023C5FA651A42F438.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. There is no specific information available for this species, but the Blue-eyed Spotted Cuscus has been recorded as active day and night.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070023C5FA651A42F438.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070023C5FA651A42F438.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. Classified as Critically Endangered on The IUCN Red List. Deforestation, hunting, and captive animal trade are major conservation threats to the Blue-eyed Spotted Cuscus. Populations are thought to have declined by more than 80 % in the last ten years due to deforestation on Biak-Supiori Island and from high levels of exploitation. Studies of Blue-eyed Spotted Cuscuses in the wild should be considered priorities for enabling effective conservation.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070123C5F3FB1C81FD8C.taxon	materials_examined	“ Les Moluques ” (= Moluccas, Indonesia).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070123C5F3FB1C81FD8C.taxon	discussion	Taxonomy of this species is unstable, and it likely comprises more than one species. Here, representatives from mainland New Guinea and the Moluccas are referred to as S. maculatus, but there are very substantial differences between various regional populations. Major taxonomic reviews of this group are pending, and no subspecies are recognized here. S. nudicaudatus has typically been recognized as a subspecies of S. maculatus, but it is best recognized as a distinct species. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070123C5F3FB1C81FD8C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. New Guinea, including Yapen, Mios Num, and Roon Is in Cenderawasih (= Geelvink) Bay, Karkar and Walis Is off the N coast, Raja Ampat Is of Salawati, Sorong, and Misool, SE Papua New Guinea Is of Samarai (= Dinner) and Dufaure (= Dufour), and Aru Is. It is present on many islands of C & S Moluccas (Seram, Ambon, Pulau Pandjang, Buru, and the Tayandu and Kai archipelagos). It has been introduced to Selayar I between Sulawesi and Flores (W occurrence of the species), and there are vague records from Flores and Sulawesi, which may also refer to the Selayar population. This species was also apparently introduced to Mussau (St. Matthias Group, NE Bismarck Archipelago) in prehistoric times and to New Ireland I (Bismarck Archipelago) in the 20 ™ century.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070123C5F3FB1C81FD8C.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head-body 42 - 74 cm, tail 38.5 - 70.7 cm; weight 2.4 - 6.1 kg. The Common Spotted Cuscus is a medium-sized to large species, highly variable in size, with highly variable coat color that ranges from entirely white or orange to mottled ginger, ash-gray, or deep red and brown with dark brown to black spotting or saddle. Ears are small and hidden in fur, and there is no dorsal stripe. In western New Guinea and northern New Guinea everywhere north of the Central Range, populations of Common Spotted Cuscuses are orange and white, generally lacking dark brown tones; females are often all white or all orange (“ saddled ” specimens are rare or unknown), while males are more commonly orange-spotted on a white base color. In southern New Guinea from the Fly River to the Port Moresby region, populations have darker brown tones; females are typically cream-colored on rump, tail, ears, forearms, and underside (from chin to tail), with head and nape with stronger yellowish tipping, yielding a somewhat paler anterior dorsum; hands, feet, face, and sometimes distal tail are red-brown; and saddle is blackish. Basal color of malesis yellow-cream, marked by brown (generally dark grayish-brown, distinctly darker than striking orange-brown or red-brown tones of northern and western individuals), with hands, feet, face, and distal part oftail usually red-brown and sometimes with an orange infusion (or orange spotting) along midline of nape and back. In south-western New Guinea from the Fly River west to the Bomberai (= Fakfak) Peninsula, the great majority of adult male Common Spotted Cuscuses have chocolate-brown spotting, and females usually have a dark brown or blackish saddle. In the most common patterning seen in these populations, venter and base color of dorsum are cream-colored, and forelimbs, shoulders, and nape are typically orange or reddish, with blackish blotching or spotting (in males) or a blackish saddle (in females) on mid-back and hindlimbs. In the Moluccas, Common Spotted Cuscuses are smaller than on mainland New Guinea, and coloris highly variable; some individuals are similar in color to populations from the south-western New Guinea mainland, but a common variant is a mostly gray morph, unspotted in females and spotted in males, resembling the Australian Spotted Cuscus (S. nudicaudatus).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070123C5F3FB1C81FD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Virtually all lowland forest areas, including primary, secondary, and degraded forests, from sea level to elevations of c. 1400 m, although typically found below 1000 m. The Common Spotted Cuscus has been observed in lowland forest, mangrove forest, riverine hill forest, low montane forest, and eucalypt woodland. It thrives on island contexts and on mainland New Guinea, and it has been introduced on some islands.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070123C5F3FB1C81FD8C.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. Diets of Common Spotted Cuscuses include leaves, buds, stems, flowers, and fruit of various genera of trees. They have been known to eat leaves of the genera Aceratium (Elaeocarpaceae), Alstonia (Apocynaceae), Asplenium (Aspleniaceae), Barringtonia (Lecythidaceae), Canarium (Burseraceae), Euodia (Rutaceae), Ficus (Moraceae), Glochidion (Phyllanthaceae), Inocarpus and Intsia (both Fabaceae), Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae), Merremia (Convolvulaceae), Piper (Piperaceae), Pometia (Sapindaceae), Pongamia (Fabaceae), Premna (Lamiaceae), Rhus (Anacardiaceae), Stenochlaena (Blechnaceae), Syzygium (Myrtaceae), Terminalia (Combretaceae), and Timonius (Rubiaceae). Fruits of the genera Aglaia (Meliaceae), Burckella (Sapotaceae), Cocos (Arecaceae), Fuodia, Ficus, Glochidion, Lithocarpus (Fagaceae), Macaranga, and Syzygium and flowers of the genera Barringtonia and Glochidion are also eaten. Buds of Aceratium, Fuodia, Ficus, Glochidion, and Intsia and stems of Merremia are also eaten.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070123C5F3FB1C81FD8C.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Observations of captive Common Spotted Cuscuses suggest that females have an estrous cycle of 28 days. Young vacate the pouch by c. 6 months of age.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070123C5F3FB1C81FD8C.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. The Common Spotted Cuscus is arboreal and probably mostly nocturnal, but it is also active by day. It rests in canopy foliage of large trees on a branch enclosed by foliage or in crown of a coconut palm, liana tangles, and bamboo thickets. To assist thermoregulation, licking is important at moderate temperatures, while panting is the major avenue for evaporative cooling at high temperatures.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070123C5F3FB1C81FD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. It has been suggested that male Common Spotted Cuscuses guard territories and keep visual contact with each other from vantage points high in the canopy. One suggestion is that color of males is a compromise between being conspicuous as possible to other males while also providing a degree of camouflage from predators. When females are in peak estrous, they are known to call almost continuously throughout the night, with the call sounding like a cross between a hiss and a donkey's bray.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F5333070123C5F3FB1C81FD8C.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. CITES Appendix II. Classified as Least Concern on The [UCN Red List. The Common Spotted Cuscus has a wide distribution with a large overall population. It is conspicuously absent from East Papuan islands (e. g. D’Entrecasteaux and Louisiade archipelagos). On mainland New Guinea, it is widely sympatric with the Black-spotted Cuscus (S. rufoniger) from Bird’s Head lowlands in the west to Huon Gulf in the east. The Common Spotted Cuscus also appears to be somewhat resilient to habitat disturbance and hunting so its overall population is thought to be stable. Habitat loss and hunting are major impacts locally. Young Common Spotted Cuscus are often captured by local people, reared, and then used for food or as pets.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533207012305FD4F1855F898.taxon	materials_examined	“ Cape York, the most northern point of Australia, ” Queensland.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533207012305FD4F1855F898.taxon	discussion	Commonly considered a subspecies of S. maculatus, but it is best recognized as a distinct species. Monotypic.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533207012305FD4F1855F898.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Cape York Peninsula of NE Queensland, N of the Stewart River and the Coen-Archer River system, including Mcllwraith and Iron ranges.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533207012305FD4F1855F898.taxon	description	Descriptive notes. Head — body 41 - 58 cm (mean 48: 6 cm), tail 37.5 - 48.5 cm (mean 42.7 cm); weight 2: 7.4 - 9 kg (mean 3 - 6 kg). The Australian Spotted Cuscus is one of the smallest species of spotted cuscus; only the Admiralty Spotted Cuscus (S. kraemert) is smaller. Pelage patterning of the Australian Spotted Cuscus is diagnostic. Overall color of dorsum is steely gray from face to tail and on dorsal surfaces of limbs in both sexes, characterized by gray-brown underfur marked with silvery-golden tipping, a color similar to the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Underside of the Australian Spotted Cuscus is cream from chin and cheeks to tail, sometimes extending to dorsal surface of tail. Gray dorsum is darker on head and forequarters than on hindquarters, and distal tail, ears, hands, and feet (sometimes rump) are typically yellowish-cream. Males have cream-colored spots and blotches on dorsum, mostly on midand lower back; females generally lack cream markings on dorsum and generally do not have darkened “ saddle ” markings on mid-back. Pelage is dense and rather woolly in appearance. Occasional individuals have an orange wash evident in fur, but predominate coloris dull gray. A similar (but not identical) gray pattern is seen only in some color variants of the Common Spotted Cuscus (S. maculatus) from the Moluccas. As with other spotted cuscuses, ears of the Australian Spotted Cuscus are relatively short and largely hidden in fur. Natal coat is similar in color to that of adults but lacks conspicuous silver-gold tipping to fur. Sexual size dimorphism appears to be less pronounced in the Australian Spotted Cuscus than in most other species of Spilocuscus. Tail averages 11 % shorter than head-body length. Skull of the Australian Spotted Cuscusis highly distinctive in its combination of small cranialsize and small, narrowed molars. Other similarly smallbodied Spilocuscus taxa (i. e. the Blue-eyed Spotted Cuscus, S. wilsoni, and the Admiralty Spotted Cuscus) have much larger teeth. The Australian Spotted Cuscus has two lower unicuspids.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533207012305FD4F1855F898.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Primarily in rainforests from sea level to the summit of the Mcllwraith Range at an elevation of 820 m. The Australian Spotted Cuscus is less commonly observed in nipa palms (Nypafruticans, Arecaceae) on fringes of mangroves, in freshwater and saltwater mangroves, in large paperbark trees (Melaleuca, Myrtaceae), and in open forest up to 500 m from the nearest rainforest.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533207012305FD4F1855F898.taxon	food_feeding	Food and Feeding. The Australian Spotted Cuscus is folivorous — frugivorous. It eats leaves of buttonwood (Glochidion, Phyllanthaceae), fruits of a variety of trees including the Leichhardt tree (Nauclea orientalis, Rubiaceae), native star-apple (Planchonella ripicola, Sapotaceae), and the fig Ficus hispida (Moraceae). It also feeds on flowers, including those of the paperbark M. leucadendra. Captive Australian Spotted Cuscuses prefer young leaves and also eat animal matter, such as small vertebrates.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533207012305FD4F1855F898.taxon	breeding	Breeding. Although few observations of reproductive characteristics of Australian Spotted Cuscuses have been made, pouch young have been observed in July — September and December, which suggest an extended breeding season. Although there are four teats in a female’s pouch, and despite three young having been reported, usually only one young is raised at a time.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533207012305FD4F1855F898.taxon	activity	Activity patterns. Australian Spotted Cuscuses are typically nocturnal and spend the day resting on branches or in thick clumps of foliage. They have been reported to construct rudimentary sleeping platforms of leaves by bring together branches. They can also be active for short periods after sunrise.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533207012305FD4F1855F898.taxon	biology_ecology	Movements, Home range and Social organization. Australian Spotted Cuscuses are typically arboreal, but they also travel along the ground. Ability to disperse and not rely on tree hollows appears to allow them to inhabit rainforest fragments and regrowth. Predators of the Australian Spotted Cuscus include the wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax) and amethystine pythons (Morelia amethistina).	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
D344591F533207012305FD4F1855F898.taxon	conservation	Status and Conservation. The Australian Spotted Cuscus has not been evaluated on The IUCN Red List because earlier taxonomies (although not formally the IUCN) considerit a subspecies of the Common Spotted Cuscus. Populations appear to be secure and stable.	en	Russell A. Mittermeier, Don E. Wilson (2015): Phalangeridae. In: Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions: 456-497, ISBN: 978-84-96553-99-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6657415
