LUMHOLTZ TREE-KANGAROO

Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo is a medium-sized marsupial and a member of the kangaroo family (Macropodidae). It has a robust build, powerful limbs, and a long, prehensile tail. The fur is dense and varies in color from reddish-brown to dark brown. It has a distinctive golden or cream-colored stripe running down its back, from the crown of the head to the base of the tail. The average adult size is around 55-75 cm in length, and they weigh between 6-9 kilograms.

Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo is native to north-eastern Queensland. Its range extends from the Atherton Tablelands to the Paluma Range and the Herbert River region. They inhabit the wet tropical rainforests and upland forests of this region, where they spend most of their time in the trees.

Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo is a primarily arboreal species, spending the majority of its time in trees. They have strong limbs and sharp claws that allow them to climb and move with agility through the forest canopy. They are mostly solitary animals, although they may come together briefly for breeding. They are known for their ability to leap long distances between trees.

Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos are herbivorous and feed on a variety of leaves, shoots, fruits, and flowers found in their forest habitat. They are selective feeders, choosing the most nutritious parts of plants. Their diet includes a range of tree species, including the leaves of rainforest trees.

Female Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos have a well-developed pouch in which they carry and nurse their young, called joeys. After a gestation period of around 44-45 days, a tiny, undeveloped joey is born. The joey crawls into the pouch, where it continues to develop and nurse from its mother for several months. The weaning process occurs at around 12-14 months of age.

Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo conservation status is classified as Near Threatened and it faces challenges from habitat loss due to deforestation, climate change, and the potential threats posed by introduced predators like dogs and cats.

The extensive clearing of lowland rainforest has greatly reduced the habitat of these animals.