The ornate tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus goodfellowi) is a species of tree kangaroo found in Papua New Guinea. It is one of the twelve species from the genus Dendrolagus. It is endangered due to logging and hunting. The ornate tree kangaroo is also known as the goodfellow's tree-kangaroo.
Physical Features
The ornate tree kangaroo differs from the land kangaroos. The ornate tree kangaroo weighs about 7 kilograms. They do not have very long forelimbs but instead, they have strong forelimbs with claws for grasping on to trees. It long tail helps in balance. These features help them to live an arboreal life. Ornate tree kangaroos usually have woolly and short fur which is chestnut red. Their cheeks and feet are yellow in color while their face is grayish brown. They have a pale belly and a brown tail with two golden stripes on the backside.
Diet
The ornate tree kangaroo mainly feed on leaves of the Silkwood tree. Their stomach does many functions like fermentation vat comparable to ruminant herbivores, like cows where bacteria breaks down fibrous leaves and grasses.
Behavior
The ornate tree kangaroo is very slow on land and walks awkwardly on land. It moves its body forward while walking on land to balance its strong and heavy tail. Like all tree kangaroos, it is very agile and bold on trees, holding on to branches with its hooked claws. They can jump from very high heights. They are known to jump down from a 30 foot high tree to the ground without any ill-effects.
Distribution and Habitat
Ornate tree kangaroos are native to the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. They are also found in the borders of Irian Jaya in Indonesia.
Conservation Status
The ornate tree kangaroo is classified as 'Endangered' by the IUCN. It is endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
Source of picture 1:http://www.animalinfo.org/species/dendgood.htm
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