Black Spotted Cuscus
Spilocuscus rufoniger
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-spotted_cuscus
Overview
The black-spotted cuscus is a species of marsupial in the family Phalangeridae. It is among the largest members of the family, only being surpassed by the bear cuscus. It is a relatively colourful species found in forests of northern New Guinea. It is threatened by hunting and habitat loss, and has already disappeared from large parts of its range. Consequently, it is rated as Critically Endangered by IUCN.
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.
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.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in PHALANGERIDAE
Threatened in Indonesia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Black Spotted Cuscus classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Black Spotted Cuscus live?
What are the main threats to Black Spotted Cuscus?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.