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February 9, 2012
Habitat
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goodfellow's tree kangaroo
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Back to Tropical Forest — Overview.

Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroo

Goodfellow's tree kangaroo, like other tree kangaroos, differs markedly from the terrestrial kangaroo because it has developed various arboreal adaptations, including shorter legs with broad, cushionlike soles, stocky, strong arms, and a long tail for balance.

It can climb smooth tree trunks up to fifteen feet (4.5 m) high and leap long distances.

Rare, solitary, and nocturnal, this tree kangaroo may occasionally be seen in the early evening.

When it moves on the ground, it takes small hopping steps, alternating between its forearms and hindlegs and holding its tail above the ground in an arched position. In this way, it can reach modest speeds of five miles (8 km) per hour.

The genus name Dendrolagus comes from Greek words signifying "tree hare."

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Animal Facts
Name: Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus goodfellowi)
Family: Macropodidae (Kangaroos, Wallabies and Relatives)
Range: Southeastern New Guinea
Habitat: Montane rain forest
Diet: Silkwood leaves, various fruits, cereals, flowers and grasses
Head and Body Length: 22 to 30 inches (55 to 77 cm)
Tail Length: 28 to 33 inches (70 to 85 cm)
Weight: 13 to 22 pounds (6 to 10 kg)
Life Cycle: Mating season not well defined; gestation about 32 days, one young born
Description: Chestnut to red-brown, woolly fur; gray-brown face; yellow cheeks; stripes along back; pale belly; light spots on tail; yellow feet
Conservation Status: Endangered
Major Threat(s): Hunting
What Can I Do?: Visit the World Rainforest Information Portal for information on how you can help.
Related Content: Australia Zoo
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Picture(s): Mark Duncan/Associated Press |

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