Spilocuscus rufoniger
CR

Spilocuscus rufoniger

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-spotted_cuscus

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Spilocuscus rufoniger faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in the Moluccas. Hunting pressure for subsistence and traditional use has intensified as human populations expand into remaining forest areas. The species' slow reproductive rate and specialized arboreal lifestyle make recovery particularly challenging once local populations are depleted.

Threat summary

Habitat

This arboreal marsupial inhabits primary and secondary tropical rainforests in the Moluccan Islands, particularly favoring the forest canopy where it feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers. The species requires continuous forest cover for movement between feeding and nesting sites.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryAwareness & communications

Other threatened species in PHALANGERIDAE

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Speckle-faced Bent-toed Gecko

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Spilocuscus rufoniger classified as Critically Endangered?
Spilocuscus rufoniger is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Spilocuscus rufoniger faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in the Moluccas. Hunting pressure for subsistence and traditional use has intensified as human populations expand into remaining forest areas. The species' slow reproductive rate and specialized arboreal lifestyle make recovery particularly challenging once local populations are depleted.
Where does Spilocuscus rufoniger live?
Spilocuscus rufoniger occurs in Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Spilocuscus rufoniger?
The main threats to Spilocuscus rufoniger are 2.1, 5.1, 5.3, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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