Phalangeridae – Cuscuses & brushtail possums
These predominantly nocturnal creatures are affectionately called 'marsupial monkeys'
Members of this family are chiefly herbivores, but some species also eat small insects and inhabit a wide range of forest habitats, from eucalypt forests to alpine woodlands and tropical forests.
Also known as Phalangers, these animals have been a continuous target of suffering at the hands of humans, which trap them for their fur and human-caused habitat loss. This has caused a steep decline in their numbers over the past years making several species endangered.
Genera in this family
Females have a bifurcated reproductive tract that allows them to carry and nurse two offspring at once
The Vulnerable Sulawesi bear cuscus & the Critically endangered Talaud bear cuscus
Some have black spots on a white or cream background, while others have brown or reddish spots
