Goodfellow’s Tree-Kangaroo (Dendrolagus goodfellowi buergersi) is one of two sub-species of tree-kangaroos, native to Papua New Guinea.
It is a macropod, and is related to kangaroos and wallabies.
It grows to 55-77 centimetres (22-30 inches).
The Tree-Kangaroo is arboreal, spending its life in trees, unlike other kangaroos that are terrestrial (living on the ground).
The Goodfellow’s Tree-Kangaroo is short and woolly with chestnut red fur, a brown face, yellowish cheeks and feet, a pale stomach, a long tail, and two golden stripes on its back.
Goodfellow’s Tree-Kangaroo
It is a good climber, wrapping its forelimbs around tree trunks. It can also slide down trees trunks. It can jump too, up to 30 feet (9 metres), even though its back legs are shorter than other ground kangaroos. Its feet are wider than ground kangaroos.
The Goodfellow’s Tree-Kangaroo feeds on the leaves of the Silkwood tree, as well as fruit, flowers, and grass. Therefore, it is a ruminant herbivore.
The female is pregnant for 21-38 days. The babies, called joeys, live in the female’s pouch.
It can live to about 20 years.
It is on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list of Endangered Species.
Goodfellow’s Tree-Kangaroo
Goodfellow’s Tree-Kangaroo
Goodfellow’s Tree-Kangaroo
Goodfellow’s Tree-Kangaroo
Goodfellow’s Tree-Kangaroo
Merchandise is available for purchase of the Goodfellow’s Tree-Kangaroo
Merchandise is available for purchase of the Goodfellow’s Tree-Kangaroo
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM