Black-spotted cuscus

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Black-spotted cuscus [1]
Spilocuscus rufoniger 2012 stamp of Indonesia.jpg
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Order: Diprotodontia
Family: Phalangeridae
Genus: Spilocuscus
Species:
S. rufoniger
Binomial name
Spilocuscus rufoniger
(Zimara, 1937)
Black-spotted Cuscus area.png
Black-spotted cuscus range

The black-spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus rufoniger) is a species of marsupial in the family Phalangeridae. It is among the largest members of the family, only being surpassed by the bear cuscus. It is a relatively colourful species found in forests of northern New Guinea. [2] It is threatened by hunting and habitat loss, and has already disappeared from large parts of its range. Consequently, it is rated as Critically Endangered by IUCN. [2]

Contents

Evolution and history

The family Phalangeridae originated from the Australian rainforests by the early Miocene epoch. Since then, cuscuses have successfully diversified from the Phalangerids. Current research has indicated that the Trichosurini (possums) separated from the cuscuses that comprised the extant Phalangerids approximately 23 to 29 million years ago. This split supports the surfacing of Sulawesi and New Guinea. The emergence of these land masses implies that the ancestors of the cuscuses traveled to the New Guinea region that appeared while the Trichosurini stayed in Australia. Shortly after this event, around 19 to 24 million years ago, the cuscuses divided into two groups. The first group consists of Ailurops and Strigocuscus celebensis, and the second consists of Phalanger and Spilocuscus , which currently has five species remaining. Out of these five, three are endangered, with Spilocuscus rufoniger being one of them. [3]

There is a masseteric process present in Spilocuscus rufoniger, which is unique to marsupials. There are also inflated frontal sinuses present in the species, which is thought to be a derived characteristic within the family Phalangeridae. Thus, certain distinct features of the black-spotted cuscuses allow them to be classified them as marsupials in the family Phalangeridae. [4]

Geographic range and habitat

The black-spotted cuscus is indigenous to the island of New Guinea. Although the species is spread throughout northern New Guinea, it has been commonly seen in Sattelberg, a village in the Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea. It dwells in undisturbed lower-montane, tropical, primary forests and lowland areas of thick brushwood below 1200 meters in elevation. Black-spotted cuscuses have been located in secondary forests as well. [5]

Description

Black-spotted cuscuses comprise one of the largest species of the family Phalangeridae; only surpassed in size by the bear cuscus. [6] Adult black-spotted cuscuses weigh approximately 6 to 7 kg (13 to 15 lb) on average. Typically, they are 120 cm in length, with the head and body measuring approximately 70 cm, and the tail measuring 50 cm. [5]

Both adult males and females exhibit red and black fur that is dense and woolly. However, females are bigger and have a uniformly dark, saddle-like coloration, while males have spotty colorations. The pelages of the young transform through a series of colors during maturation. The undersides of black-spotted cuscuses have areas of yellow and white. Females possess four mammae and modified pouches for neonates that open anteriorly. [5]

Black-spotted cuscuses have round heads with a short, pointed snout. The frontal skull bones are convex, which gives them their bulging forehead, and they have a large sinus that is closed off from the nasal cavity. In black-spotted cuscuses, the basioccipital and alisphenoid bones in the skull create a well-developed structure earlier than in other Phalangeridae. Their eyes are characterized by large, vertically split pupils that are useful for their nocturnal lifestyle. [5] There is fur lining the inner ears, which are almost invisible. [3] Black-spotted cuscuses can be distinguished from other cuscuses by their teeth. They have low crowns and small premolars that lie anterior to the primary premolar in the upper jaw. In addition, they have a prominent protocone on their first, upper molars. [5]

They have arched front claws that are pointed acutely for the purpose of climbing. The first two digits on these foreclaws are opposable to the other three digits. The toes of the hind feet have adapted to grasp objects and branches; the opposable big toe has no claws, while the smaller second and third toes are fused together. [5]

Black-spotted cuscuses primarily use their tails for grasping. They are naked at the tip, and the underside of the tails are streaked with calluses for ease of picking up items such as food. [5]

Behavior

Spilocuscus rufoniger are endotherms. The black-spotted cuscuses are primarily arboreal; they only descend to the ground periodically. Being nocturnal creatures, they rest in a curled position on high branches throughout the day. Naturally, they are sluggish creatures with predominantly solitary lifestyles. Feeding and nesting is performed individually. Interactions and encounters between individuals of this species typically involve aggression. There have been no reports of arboreal predators in the habitats of the black-spotted cuscus. [5]

Reproduction

Little is known regarding the mating behavior of black-spotted cuscuses. Courting is typically performed on tree limbs. Black-spotted cuscuses produce offspring via sexual reproduction. They are viviparous, with the mother birthing live young. [5]

Parental care

The mother possesses a pouch that functions in nursing and protecting her altricial neonates. Little else is noted in regards to the parental investment and care of the black-spotted cuscus. [5]

Diet

Little is known about the dietary habits of this species. They are believed to be omnivores that consume small animals. In addition, they feed upon fruits, leaves, nuts. [5]

Population

From 1982 to 1990, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) stated that the species was “Rare”. This was until its status was changed to “Vulnerable” in 1994 and then to “Endangered” in 1996. [2] According to the IUCN, the black-spotted cuscus has been classified as Critically Endangered since 2010. [3] The population of this species is drastically declining due to human disruptions. [2]

The expansion of human populations has led to the conversion from forestry to cultivated land for agricultural purposes. [5] For instance, there has been an influx of Javan people into Papua New Guinea, which destroys the habitats of the black-spotted cuscuses and contributes to their decline. [2]

Currently, plans for oil palm activities and logging concessions are underway in locations that are home to the black-spotted cuscus. [5] International trade has also inhibited the biodiversity on the island of Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea has high exportation rates, which serves as a threat to the species. [7]

The main threat to the black-spotted cuscus is overhunting. [8] Due to its large size in comparison to other marsupials, it is frequently hunted for its meat. In addition, its dense, colorful fur makes it favorable for capes and headwear. The existence of the black-spotted cuscus in a limited environment makes it an easy hunting target. [5]

Conservation status

Currently, there are no existing national parks in Papua New Guinea to protect this species. [5] However, to address the critical endangerment status, a management area has been built in Papua New Guinea, and there are numerous areas in Indonesia that the black-spotted cuscuses can inhabit for protection. [3] To further address the problem, hunting restrictions and public awareness need to be implemented. [2]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phalangeriformes</span> Suborder of arboreal marsupials

Phalangeriformes is a paraphyletic suborder of about 70 species of small to medium-sized arboreal marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi. The species are commonly known as possums, gliders, and cuscus. The common name "possum" for various Phalangeriformes species derives from the creatures' resemblance to the opossums of the Americas. However, although opossums are also marsupials, Australasian possums are more closely related to other Australasian marsupials such as kangaroos.

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

The common echymipera, or common spiny bandicoot, is a bandicoot. It is long-snouted even by bandicoot standards. The upper parts are a coarse reddish-brown, flecked with spiny buff and black hairs. The tail is short and almost hairless. Length varies between 30 and 40 cm, with the tail accounting for an additional 8 to 10 cm ; the weight is from 0.6 to 2 kg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Common spotted cuscus</span> Species of marsupial

The common spotted cuscus, also known as the white cuscus, is a cuscus, a marsupial that lives in the Cape York region of Australia, New Guinea, and nearby smaller islands.

<i>Phalanger</i> Genus of mammals

Phalanger is a genus of possums. Its members are found on New Guinea, the Maluku Islands, other nearby small islands, and Australia's Cape York Peninsula. They are marsupials of the family Phalangeridae, and are one of the four genera whose species are commonly referred to as cuscuses.

<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">Black dorcopsis</span> Species of marsupial

The black dorcopsis or black forest wallaby is a species of marsupial in the family Macropodidae. It is endemic to an island at the eastern end of New Guinea where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It is threatened by habitat loss and hunting, its population is declining and the IUCN lists it as being "Critically endangered".

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

The mountain cuscus is a species of marsupial in the family Phalangeridae found in West Papua, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

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

The ground cuscus is a marsupial from the order Diprotodontia and belongs within the family Phalangeridae, a diverse family consisting of the other cuscus species and the brushtail possums and the scaly-tailed possum.

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

The Woodlark cuscus is a species of marsupial in the family Phalangeridae endemic to Papua New Guinea, specifically on Madau and Woodlark Island, a part of the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. It happens to be the largest mammal living on Woodlark Island but it is also found on the neighboring island of Alcester, 70 kilometers south of Woodlark Island.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern common cuscus</span> Species of marsupial

The northern common cuscus, also known as the gray cuscus, is a species of marsupial in the family Phalangeridae native to northern New Guinea and adjacent smaller islands, but is now also found in the Bismarck Archipelago, southeast and central Moluccas, the Solomons, and Timor, where it is believed to have been introduced in prehistoric times from New Guinea. It was formerly considered conspecific with the allopatric P. intercastellanus and P. mimicus.

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

The silky cuscus is a species of marsupial in the family Phalangeridae. It is found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stein's cuscus</span> Species of marsupial

Stein's cuscus is a species of marsupial in the family Phalangeridae. It is found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Admiralty Island cuscus</span> Species of marsupial

The Admiralty Island cuscus or Manus Island spotted cuscus is a species of marsupial in the family Phalangeridae. It is endemic to the Admiralty Islands of Papua New Guinea. It is the smallest member of the genus Spilocuscus, and the female has a black back, while the male has blackish spots on a white background. Both genders have rufous heads.

<i>Spilocuscus</i> Genus of marsupials

Spilocuscus is a genus of marsupial in the family Phalangeridae. Its members are found on the Cape York Peninsula of Australia, New Guinea, and smaller nearby islands. It contains the following species:

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

The Waigeou cuscus or Waigeou spotted cuscus is a species of marsupial in the family Phalangeridae. It is endemic to the island of Waigeo in Indonesia, and consequently the spelling Waigeo cuscus is often used instead of Waigeou cuscus. Unlike all other members of the genus Spilocuscus, both genders are whitish with black spots. It remains fairly common, but its small range makes it vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phalangeridae</span> Family of marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, and Eastern Indonesia

The Phalangeridae are a family of mostly nocturnal marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, and Eastern Indonesia, including the cuscuses, brushtail possums, and their close relatives. Considered a type of possum, most species are arboreal, and they inhabit a wide range of forest habitats from alpine woodland to eucalypt forest and tropical jungle. Many species have been introduced to various non-native habitats by humans for thousands of years.

Cuscus is the common name generally given to the species within the four genera of Australasian possum of the family Phalangeridae with the most tropical distribution:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue-eyed spotted cuscus</span> Species of marsupial

The blue-eyed spotted cuscus or Biak spotted cuscus is a species of critically endangered marsupial in the family Phalangeridae.

References

  1. ↑ Groves, C. P. (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 48–49. ISBN   0-801-88221-4. OCLC   62265494.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Leary, T.; Singadan, R.; Menzies, J.; Helgen, K.; Allison, A.; James, R.; Flannery, T.; Aplin, K.; Dickman, C.; Salas, L. (2016). "Spilocuscus rufoniger". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T20639A21949788. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T20639A21949788.en . Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Evolutionary Distinct & Globally Endangered (2010). Black-spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus rufoniger). ZSL Living Conservation.
  4. ↑ Wroe, S.; Brammall, J.; Cooke, B.N. (1998). "The Skull of Ekaltadeta ima (Marsupialia, Hypsiprymnodontidae): An Analysis of Some Marsupial Cranial Features and a Reinvestigation of Propleopine Phylogeny". Journal of Paleontology. 72 (4). JSTOR   1306699.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Bey, Lisa (2014). Spilocuscus rufoniger: Black-spotted Cuscus. Animal Diversity Web.
  6. ↑ Spilocuscus rufoniger: Black-spotted Cuscus. Encyclopedia of Life
  7. ↑ Lenzen, M.; Moran, D.; Kanemoto, K.; Foran, B.; Lobefaro, L. (2012). "International Trade Drives Biodiversity Threats in Developing Nations". Nature. 486 (7401): 109–112. doi:10.1038/nature11145. PMID   22678290.
  8. ↑ Cuthbert, Richard (2010). "Sustainability of Hunting, Population Densities, Intrinsic Rates of Increase and Conservation of Papua New Guinean Mammals: A Quantitative Review". Biological Conservation. 143 (8): 1850–1859. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2010.04.005.
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