Spotted Cuscus

Spilocuscus maculatus

The Spotted Cuscus is a very shy, nocturnal, arboreal marsupial that can be found in parts of Australia and New Guinea. They are very difficult to spot, but that is due to their elusive shyness, and not to the fact that they are rare or uncommon. These Cuscuses are hunted in their range, but their population is stable.

The Spotted Cuscus lives in lowland tropical rainforests, and they feed primarily on leaves and fruits, though they have been observed consuming small animals and eggs as well.

Mating happens year round, and like most of their other actions, takes place in trees. The female will be pregnant for about a week, before giving birth to offspring that weigh only a gram! Though she is capable of raising three babies at a time in her forward opening pouch, there is usually only one. The offspring will stay in the pouch for 6-7 months, and will reach sexual maturity after a year.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern

Location : Northern Australia, New Guinea
Size : Body Length up to 26in (65cm), Weight up to 13lbs (6kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Subclass : Marsupialia
Order : Diprotodontia -- Family : Phalangeridae -- Genus : Spilocuscus -- Species : S. maculatus