The Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo, dendrolagus goodfellowi, also goes by the name ornate tree kangaroo. Their head and body measure 22 to 30 inches (55 to 77 centimeters) long, with the tail adding an additional 28 to 33 inches (70 to 85 centimeters) of length. They are not a particularly heavy animal, weighing in at around 13 to 22 pounds (6 to 10 kilograms). Their short, often wooly fur ranges from chestnut-brown to crimson in color with a paler underside as well as a grey-brown face and a yellow neck, cheeks and feet. They have a pair of golden stripes that run down the center of the back and each individual has a unique pattern of yellow rings and blotches on their tails.
The Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo can be found along the border of central Irian Jaya, Indonesia, as well as in Papa New Guinea. They will often inhabit dense, tropical rainforests and deciduous forests over mountain ranges. Their lifestyle is a solitary one, coming together only when they mate. A large male territory will often overlap several smaller female territories. This animal spends most of its time in the trees, but will frequently climb to the ground in order to search for food. Being nocturnal, they will rest during the day and search for food under the cover of night (although they can occasionally be seen in the evening).
The diet of a Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo consists of mostly leaves and fruit. They will however, also eat flowers, grass and even cereals along the forest edges. Their stomach is large and sacculated, which allows them to break down and digest their tough, leafy diet. Staying up in the treetops helps keep these animals safe from any predators looking to make a meal out of them. When on the ground, a Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo can reach a modest speed of around 5 miles (8 kilometers) per hour. This is helpful in case they ever need to make a quick dash to escape from danger.
Breeding for the Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo takes place throughout the year. Females will give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of around 32 days. After being born, the tiny newborn will immediately climb into its mother’s pouch where it will remain for the next 10 to 12 months. Once it leaves the pouch, it will continue to return in order to nurse for several months. It will become fully independent at around 11 to 13 months of age and sexual maturity is reached when they are 2 years old. It is unknown exactly how long these animals live in the wild, but in captivity they can live more than 14 years.
The Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo is an endangered animal. One major threat they face is over-hunting as they are often killed for their meat. Habitat loss is also a big contributor to their declining numbers as populations are not only being confined to smaller areas, but some are being fragmented and isolated which limits their opportunity for out-breeding. Hopefully, something can be done to help the Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo overcome its obstacles and repopulate. After all, such a unique marsupial deserves to live and prosper far into the future.
Works Cited
“Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo” 13 October 2011
“Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus Goodfellowi)” 13 October 2011
“Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus Goodfellowi)” 13 October 2011
