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Tree Kangaroo

Nice work. You've identified the tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei).

While the tree kangaroo is related to the land kangaroo found in Australia, it has shorter, wider hind feet and a longer, narrower tail than its cousin. The tree kangaroo's heavy, curved claws help it climb and stay in position while it sleeps.

Like the land kangaroo, the tree kangaroo has a pouch to carry its young. Once the animal is born, it climbs into its mother's pouch and grows there for several months before coming out for food.

Tree kangaroos are mostly found in northeastern Australia and New Guinea. They tend to live alone in tropical forests, where they feed on tree leaves, flowers, grass, and fruit. Their existence is threatened by hunters seeking them for food, and from forest destruction for logging, mining, and agriculture.

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