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Blue-eyed cuscus

Phalanger matabiru

MammalThe IUCN status of the…

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammal
Order
Diprotodontia
Family
Phalangeridae
Genus
Phalanger

Habitat

This species primarily inhabits tropical rainforests on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, favoring dense canopies and areas with abundant trees for climbing. They are also found in secondary forests and can occur at elevations up to 2,000 meters.

Diet

The Blue-eyed Cuscus is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, flowers, and insects such as beetles and caterpillars. It forages primarily at night in the treetops, using its dexterous paws to handle food items.

Behavior

Blue-eyed Cuscuses are nocturnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in trees to avoid ground predators. They are solitary animals that mark territories with scent glands and are generally quiet, communicating through soft vocalizations or hisses when threatened. During the day, they rest in tree hollows or dense foliage.

Conservation Status

The IUCN status of the Blue-eyed Cuscus is Vulnerable, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting. Major threats include logging and agricultural expansion in their native Indonesian habitats.