The Scientific Name : Dendrolagus mayri

Many scientists consider Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo as a subspecies of the tree-kangaroo species Dendrolagus dorianus.

Where is it found?

Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo was located in the Wondiwoi peninsula of West Papua at an elevation of 1600m within mossy montane forest. It is thought that the Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo can occupy an area of 300 square kilometers. Very few expeditions have been made to it’s habitat and till now very little is know about the habitat of this species.

How does it live?

The Tree Kangaroos spend their lifetime in trees only. They live on sap, eggs, grains, flowers, barks, etc. As no special research is done on Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo, very little is known about their exact food, reproduction etc.

How does it look?

The Wondiwoi Tree-kangaroo is a distinctive animal, carrying to an extreme the yellowish silver tipping of the fur. The underlying colour of the coat is blackish, but it is so heavily frosted with yellowish hairs that at certain angles the coat appears to be yellow. The rump and limbs are reddish, while the tail is almost white. The only specimen weighed was in 1928 by Mayr. The adult male weighed by Mayr was 9.2 kilogram.

What are the threats?

Hunting is considered the most serious threat to Wondiwoi Tree-kangaroo. The mountains of the Wondiwoi Peninsula include substantial deposits of high grade mica. Mining plans have been developed there in recent past. These plans may have serious impact on the conservation of this distinctive tree-kangaroo.

Conservation Efforts

An immediate research and study on the species is needed if it’s still surviving. The study will help creating a conservation plan for the species. There is no protected area known for this species.