Order: Diprotodontia Prev. Marsupialia
Family: Macropodidae
Genus & Species: Dendrolagus lumholtzi
APPEARANCE
Lumholtz's tree kangaroo is a small arboreal kangaroo, one of two
species found in Australia. They are about the size of a dog. Sexual
dimorphism present, with the males being larger than the females.
They grow to average lengths of 44.8-52 in (112-130 cm), including the
tail, which is usually longer than the body. The tail is long, cylindrical,
and tufted on the end. It is used as a counterbalance while climbing or
hopping and is not prehensile. The hindefeet are small and broad and
can move independently of each other, a feature not found in the
ground kangaroos. Another difference between Lumholtz's tree
kangaroos and the ground kangaroos (ex grey kangaroo) is the size of
the limbs: the forelimbs are of almost equal length to the hindelimbs.
The forelimbs are strong and muscular and end in small hand-like feet
that lack opposable thumbs. Cushion-like pads covered with rough
skin are located on the underside of the feet and aid in gripping the
branches, as do their long curved nails.
The head is small and round with a large snout and small, rounded
ears. The teeth are sharp and used for shearing, not grinding.
Lumholtz's tree kangaroos vary in colour, but are generally brown or
black. The back has lighter-coloured fur on the lower portion. The
face and shoulders are darker brown, with a light brown band across
the forehead and down the sides of the face. The first half of the tail is
light brown, with the last half being a darker blackish-brown.
Lumholtz's tree kangaroo is an efficient climber and can jump to the
ground from heights of 66.7 ft (20 m) without sustaining any injury.
On the ground they walk on all fours or run-hop on their hindefeet.
In captivity they have only survived to their late teens.
HABITAT
Lumholtz's tree kangaroos are found only in the tropical rainforests
of northern Queensland, Australia. They are found primarily in
patches of rainforest in the Atherton Tablelands. They can be seen at
Crater National Park, Malanda Falls Environmental Park, and the
Curtain Fig Tree.
Lumholtz's tree kangaroos are solitary animals, sometimes
congregating in groups of 4 to eat. They also get together to mate.
They are nocturnal mammals and sleep on tree branches during the
day.
FOOD
Lumholtz's tree kangaroos have large, sacculated stomachs that allow
large quantities of food to be ingested at any given time. It is not
known exactly what they eat, although a large portion of their diet has
been determined to be the leaves of the Silkwood. They are strictly
herbivorous in nature and will also feed upon creepers, fruits, and
maize grown at nearby farms.
Lumholtz's tree kangaroos spend 90% of their lives eating.
ENEMIES
Lumholtz's tree kangaroos have few natural enemies. Indigenous
tribesmen hunt them as a traditional source of food. They are also
occasionally killed by dingos, domestic dogs, and parasites. They are
clumsy and slow on land and so are often hit by cars. They are
currently listed as endangered.
Lumholtz's tree kangaroos prefer forests growing in the basalt-rich
Tableland soils, where farming is also ideal. Because of this, much of
their homeland has been cleared for agriculture.
BREEDING
Lumholtz's tree kangaroos have no definite breeding season. The male
selects the female by uttering soft clucking sounds while pawing her
head and shoulders. If she leaves, he follows her, pawing her tail. After
breeding and the long gestation period (for a marsupial) of roughly 38
days, the female takes up the birthing position: sitting on the base of
her tail with the tail tip between her legs. The small, lima bean-sized
baby emerges from the birth canal and climbs up to her pouch,
grabbing hold of one of 4 teats, where is stays until fully developed.
RELATIVES
There are ten species of tree kangaroos, 2 in Queensland and 8 in New
Guinea. Of the 8 in New Guinea, they are further divided into 17
subspecies. Tree kangaroos are in the same family as ground
kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, and pademelons.
RESOURCES CITED
1. www.rainforest-australia.com/lumholtz.htm
2. www.wildlife-australia.com/lumholtz.htm
3. www.panda.org/kids/wildlife/kangtree.htm
4. www.effect.net.au/cuddlyK/myworld/animals/kangaroos.html
5. www.ozemail.com.au/~wildscap/lumhinfo.html
6. "Tree Kangaroo" Funk & Wagnall's Wildlife Encyclopedia, pg 2397, vol
20, 1974, USA, BPC Pub Ltd
Back