Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo

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Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo
Dendrolagus mayri illustration Rothschild and Dollman 1936 ZSL monograph.png
Illustration from the 1936 Rothschild and Dollman monograph 'The Genus Dendrolagus'
Status iucn3.1 CR.svg
Critically endangered, possibly extinct  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Order: Diprotodontia
Family: Macropodidae
Genus: Dendrolagus
Species:
D. mayri
Binomial name
Dendrolagus mayri

The Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus mayri) is a critically endangered, bear-like mammal native to tropical mountain forests on the island of New Guinea in Western Papua. Elusive and rare, it was considered extinct until rediscovery in 2018. It is a species of tree-kangaroo (genus Dendrolagus ), a group of long-tailed, bear-like animals native to Australia and New Guinea that mostly live in trees and feed on plant matter. Tree-kangaroos belong to the macropod family (Macropodidae) with kangaroos, and carry their young in a pouch like most other marsupials. The Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo is likely threatened by hunting, and is known only from remote mountains on the Wondiwoi Peninsula in northwest New Guinea.

Contents

Until 2018, the wondiwoi tree-kangaroo was known only from a single specimen collected in 1928. [3]

Taxidermied Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo specimen collected in 1928 1939.2931 Skin Dorsal Skins-1 MG 1492-S.jpg
Taxidermied Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo specimen collected in 1928

The only known specimen is a male weighing 9.25 kilograms (20.4 lb). [3] D. mayri was located in the Wondiwoi Peninsula of West Papua at an elevation of 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) within montane rain forest. It is thought that the Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo could occupy an area of 300 square kilometres (120 sq mi). [3] Re:wild, the global conservation organization, lists the Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo as one of their "25 most wanted lost species". [4]

Taxonomy

It was named in honour of Ernst Mayr, who collected the type specimen now deposited in the Natural History Museum, London. [2] It was described by Lord Rothschild and Capt. Guy Dollman in a 1933 paper [5] and an illustration based on the only known specimen was published in their 1936 monograph on the genus. [6]

Discovery

In July 2018, [7] the first known photographs of the species were taken by British naturalist Michael Smith. [8] [9] Smith was investigating Vireya rhododendrons in an unexplored area of the Wondiwoi ranges and photographed a "dorianus type" tree kangaroo at an altitude of approximately 1,600 metres. Scent marks, tree kangaroo scat and claw marks at the base of trees made by climbing tree kangaroos were found from 1,700 m to 2,000 m in steep montane forest. Local hunters, who frequently kill grizzled tree-kangaroos in lowland forest, rarely visit the forest above 1,500 m because of the difficult terrain, lack of water sources and dense bamboo thickets. [8] An expert-led monograph on the genus discusses this "first photograph of a living animal" and asks "What other novel observations are out in the cloud forests of New Guinea?":

While this has raised hopes that this species, previously considered most likely extinct, continues to survive in these remote areas, it also highlights the prospect that other species in similarly remote areas are awaiting rediscovery and protection.

— Lisa Dabek, Peter Valentine, Jacqueline Jo Blessington, Karin R. Schwartz (Editors), Tree Kangaroos: Science and Conservation (Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes) [10]

Status

Long thought to be extinct or critically endangered, [11] the IUCN Red List listed the species as critically endangered (possibly extinct) because "if the species still exists the population must be very small (less than 50 mature individuals) and probably in decline due to hunting pressures. Although the area has not been well-sampled, there have been a few visits to the area with no reports of this species." [1]

The species status of Dendrolagus mayri is uncertain. Some authorities refer to all 'dorianus type' tree kangaroos as subspecies of Doria's tree kangaroo, including Colin Groves, who published a major revision of the taxonomy of the genus in 1982. [12] More recent DNA analysis indicates, however, that the members of the dorianus group deserve species status, although Dendrolagus mayri itself was not included in the study. [13]

Threats and conservation efforts

With the recent rediscovery of this species in 2018, [7] the Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo faces concerns regarding its conservation status. Like most other species of tree-kangaroos, the Wondiwoi is likely threatened by hunting and habitat loss. The latter may be more indicative of its disappearance in the early 1930s as it seemingly migrated to higher altitudes where ecosystems are less disturbed.

As the elusiveness of this species is cause for debate on whether it is critically endangered or extinct, most conservation efforts should align similarly to other tree-kangaroos and attempt to reintroduce this species into a broader range. The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP) involves local communities and researchers communicating to effectively preserve tree-kangaroos while understanding the culture and traditions of the indigenous people. [14] While this organization primarily focuses on the Matschie's tree-kangaroos in the Huon peninsula, similar strategies can occur in the Wondiwoi peninsula. Although the mountain forests in this peninsula are remote, hunting can still be a big concern, due to the rarity of this species, which requires these areas to be safeguarded.

Since the Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo's current population is unknown and assumed to be extremely low, a genetic rescue procedure may have to be considered. While it is up for debate whether the Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo is its own species or a subspecies of Doria's tree-kangaroo, introducing a genetically similar relative to the Wondiwoi Peninsula population could aid in increasing it. This will also increase genetic diversity if the population has a small number of individuals and may be suffering from inbreeding depression. [15]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tree-kangaroo</span> Genus of marsupials

Tree-kangaroos are marsupials of the genus Dendrolagus, adapted for arboreal locomotion. They inhabit the tropical rainforests of New Guinea and far northeastern Queensland, along with some of the islands in the region. All tree-kangaroos are considered threatened due to hunting and habitat destruction. They are the only true arboreal macropods.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macropodidae</span> Family of marsupial mammals

Macropodidae is a family of marsupials that includes kangaroos, wallabies, tree-kangaroos, wallaroos, pademelons, quokkas, and several other groups. These genera are allied to the suborder Macropodiformes, containing other macropods, and are native to the Australian continent, New Guinea and nearby islands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dingiso</span> Species of marsupial

The dingiso, also known as the bondegezou or bakaga, is an endangered, long-tailed marsupial found only in mountain forests on the west of the island of New Guinea. It is a species of tree-kangaroo, which are mammals native to Australia and New Guinea that feed on leaves or other plant matter. It belongs to the macropodid family (Macropodidae) with kangaroos, and carries its young in a pouch like most other marsupials. Though sacred to the local Moni people, it is still threatened by hunting and habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matschie's tree-kangaroo</span> Species of marsupial

Matschie's tree-kangaroo, also known as the Huon tree-kangaroo is a tree-kangaroo native to the Huon Peninsula of northeastern New Guinea island, within the nation of Papua New Guinea. Under the IUCN classification, Matschie's tree-kangaroo is an endangered species. The scientific name honours German biologist Paul Matschie. The indigenous population refers to it as a Boongarry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goodfellow's tree-kangaroo</span> Species of marsupial

Goodfellow's tree-kangaroo, also called the ornate tree-kangaroo, is an endangered, long-tailed, bear-like mammal native to rainforests of New Guinea. Like most tree-kangaroos, it lives in the treetops and feeds on leaves or other plant matter. It belongs to the macropod family (Macropodidae) along with kangaroos, and carries its young in a pouch like other marsupials. Its main threats are habitat loss and hunting. There are two subspecies: D. g. goodfellowi and D. g. buergersi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo</span> Species of marsupial

Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo is a rare, long-tailed marsupial found in rainforests in northeastern Australia. Like most tree-kangaroos, it lives alone in trees and feeds on plant matter. It belongs to the macropod family (Macropodidae) with kangaroos, and carries its young in a pouch like other marsupials. It is threatened by climate change and diseases, and is found in the hilly, fertile Atherton Tableland near Cairns in north east Queensland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo</span> Species of marsupial

The golden-mantled tree-kangaroo is a critically endangered, furry, bear-like mammal found only in mountain rain forests on the island of New Guinea. Like other tree-kangaroos, it lives in trees and feeds on plant matter. It belongs to the macropod family (Macropodidae) with kangaroos, and carries its young in a pouch like other marsupials. The range is restricted to two small mountain areas in the north and it is threatened by hunting and habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doria's tree-kangaroo</span> Species of marsupial

Doria's tree-kangaroo is a long-tailed, furry, bear-like mammal found only in tropical mountain forests on the island of New Guinea. It is one of the largest tree-kangaroos, living alone in trees and active at night to feed on leaves or fruit. It belongs to the macropod family (Macropodidae) with kangaroos, and carries its young in a pouch like other marsupials. Threats include hunting and habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grizzled tree-kangaroo</span> Species of marsupial

The grizzled tree-kangaroo is a furry, long-tailed, bear-like mammal native to tropical rainforests on the island of New Guinea. Like most tree-kangaroos, it lives in trees and eats leaves, fruit, and bark. It is a member of the macropod family Macropodidae with kangaroos, and carries its young in a pouch like other marsupials. The tree-kangaroo is uncommon and threatened by hunting and habitat loss. It is found in foothill forests of northern and western New Guinea and is indigenous to some of the offshore islands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tenkile</span> Species of marsupial

The tenkile, also known as Scott's tree-kangaroo, is a species of tree-kangaroo in the family Macropodidae. It is endemic to a very small area of the Torricelli Mountains of Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It is threatened by habitat loss and by hunting. The tenkile is listed as endangered due to hunting and logging activities in Papua New Guinea. The tenkile is hunted for its meat, and has been a main protein source for the local tribespeople. The local human population has increased in recent years, increasing demand for tenkile meat. Additionally, tenkiles are poached for their fur and are captured and sold as a part of the illegal pet trade. Domesticated dogs also hunt tenkiles. Deforestation in Papua New Guinea affects all tree-kangaroos, and industrial logging that occurs in the Torricelli Mountain Range decreases the species' already restricted habitat. The Torricelli Mountain Range faces additional deforestation due to the timber industry, and the production of coffee, rice and wheat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lowlands tree-kangaroo</span> Species of marsupial

The lowlands tree-kangaroo, also spelt "lowland," is a long-tailed, furry, bear-like mammal found only in lowland tropical rainforests on the island of New Guinea. It is a species of tree-kangaroo, which are tree-dwelling animals that feed on leaves or other plant matter. Tree-kangaroos are in the macropod family (Macropodidae) with kangaroos, and like other marsupials they carry their young in a pouch. The lowlands tree-kangaroo is threatened by habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ursine tree-kangaroo</span> Species of marsupial

The ursine tree-kangaroo is a long-tailed, furry, bear-like mammal found only in tropical forests on the island of New Guinea. Slightly larger than a cat, it lives alone in trees and is active at night to feed on leaves and fruit. It belongs to the macropod family (Macropodidae) with kangaroos, and carries its young in a pouch like other marsupials. It has a small range in northwestern New Guinea and is threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Other common names for this species include the black tree-kangaroo, the Vogelkop tree-kangaroo and the white-throated tree-kangaroo.

Captain John Guy Dollman BA, FLS, known as Guy Dollman, was a British zoologist and taxonomist. Dollman's tree mouse and Dollman's vlei rat are named after him.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macropodinae</span> Subfamily of marsupials

Macropodinae is a subfamily of marsupials in the family Macropodidae, which includes the kangaroos, wallabies, and related species. The subfamily includes about ten genera and at least 51 species. It includes all living members of the Macropodidae except for the banded hare-wallaby, the only surviving member of the subfamily Lagostrophinae.

<i>Dendrolagus notatus</i> Species of marsupial mammal

Dendrolagus notatus, the ifola or ifola tree kangaroo, is a species of marsupial in the family Macropodidae. It is endemic to Papua New Guinea where it is found in high elevations of the central mountains. It is threatened by habitat loss and hunting for food with dogs by local people. The species is usually considered a subspecies of Dendrolagus dorianus but has recently been considered as a separate species by Helgen in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vogelkop montane rain forests</span> Ecoregion in New Guinea

The Vogelkop montane rain forests is a tropical moist forest ecoregion in western New Guinea. The ecoregion covers the mountains of western New Guinea's Bird's Head and Bomberai peninsulas.

<i>Bohra</i> (genus) Extinct genus of marsupials

Bohra is an extinct genus of macropod from the Plio-Pleistocene of Australia. It is closely related to modern tree kangaroos (Dendrolagus), and like them is thought to have had an arboreal lifestyle, with some species of Bohra substantially exceeding living tree kangaroos in size.

References

  1. 1 2 Leary, T.; Seri, L.; Flannery, T.; Wright, D.; Hamilton, S.; Helgen, K.; Singadan, R.; Menzies, J.; Allison, A.; James, R. (2016). "Dendrolagus mayri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T136668A21956785. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T136668A21956785.en . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 Rothschild, Walter; Dollman, Guy (31 March 1933). Hill, J.P. (ed.). "Exhibitions and Notices". Journal of Zoology. 103 (2): 540–541. doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.1933.tb01607.x.
  3. 1 2 3 "Tenkile Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo". Tenkile Conservation Alliance.
  4. ↑ Global Wildlife Conservation. "Most Wanted Lost Species". Lost Species.
  5. ↑ Rothschild, W. (1933). "A new tree-kangaroo from the Wondiwoi Mountains, Dutch New Guinea". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London: 40.
  6. ↑ Rothschild, W. (March 1936). "The Genus Dendrolagus". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 21 (6): 477–549. doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.1936.tb00459.x.
  7. 1 2 Solly, Meilan (2018-09-27). "Elusive Tree Kangaroo Spotted for First Time in 90 Years". Smithsonian. Retrieved 2018-09-28.
  8. 1 2 Pickrell, John (25 September 2018). "Rare Tree Kangaroo Reappears After Vanishing for 90 Years". National Geographic. Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved 2018-09-28.
  9. ↑ "Peek-a-roo! Farnham man finds 'extinct' tree kangaroo". Alton Post Gazette.
  10. ↑ Dabek, L; Valentine, P; Blessington, J.J.; Schwartz, K.R. (11 Dec 2020). Tree Kangaroos: Science and Conservation (Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes). United States: Academic Press. p. 434. ISBN   978-0128146750.
  11. ↑ "Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo". www.tenkile.com. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  12. ↑ Groves, Colin P. (1982). "The Systematics of Tree Kangaroos (Dendrolagus; Marsupialia, Macropodidae)". Aust. Mammal. 5 (3): 157–86. doi:10.1071/AM82017. S2CID   254726314.
  13. ↑ Eldridge, Mark D. B. (2018). "Phylogenetic analysis of the tree-kangaroos (Dendrolagus) reveals multiple divergent lineages within New Guinea". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 127: 589–599. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2018.05.030. PMID   29807156. S2CID   44166834.
  14. ↑ Williams, Freddie (April 2021). "Barriers and benefits to tree kangaroo conservation in Papua New Guinea". Journal for Nature Conservation. 60. Bibcode:2021JNatC..6025972H. doi:10.1016/j.jnc.2021.125972. S2CID   233529280.
  15. ↑ Hedrick, Philip (December 2016). "Understanding Inbreeding Depression, Purging, and Genetic Rescue". Trends in Ecology & Evolution. 31 (12): 940–952. doi:10.1016/j.tree.2016.09.005. PMID   27743611.
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