Meet a charming tree-dwelling marsupial found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and some of its nearby neighbors. These creatures have short, fuzzy ears and rounded features that add to their adorable appearance. They spend most of their days in the leafy treetops of humid rainforests, where they snack on leaves and other plant material. Unlike many nocturnal mammals, they are active during the daytime and often share branches with a partner.

They move through the forest canopy by carefully swinging from one branch to another, using their strong claws and a tail that can grip like a hand—this tail is nearly as long as their entire body, which can measure around two feet. On average, they weigh between 15 and 22 pounds. Because they spend so much time in the trees, they rarely come down to the ground.

Although they might look cuddly, the Sulawesi Bear Cuscus faces some serious challenges. They are hunted for food, illegally collected for the pet trade, and threatened by habitat loss as forests are cleared for farming and other uses. Conserving these fascinating marsupials is crucial, not just because they’re unique to this region but also because they play a part in keeping their forest homes healthy by spreading seeds as they feed. Their gentle presence in the canopy is a reminder of how richly diverse and delicate our planet’s ecosystems can be.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Indonesia

VU

2015

Sulawesi