Dendrolagus pulcherrimus
CR

Dendrolagus pulcherrimus

Stable

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden-mantled_tree-kangaroo

Overview

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

The Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroo faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Papua New Guinea's montane forests. Hunting pressure for subsistence and traditional purposes has intensified as human populations expand into previously remote areas. Mining activities and agricultural conversion continue to reduce the species' already restricted habitat, while climate change threatens to shift suitable temperature and precipitation zones upward beyond available mountain habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits primary and secondary montane rainforests at elevations between 1,000-3,000 meters in Papua New Guinea's central highlands. It requires dense canopy cover with interconnected tree branches for arboreal movement and forages primarily in the upper forest layers.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies managementSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Dendrolagus pulcherrimus classified as Critically Endangered?
Dendrolagus pulcherrimus 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. The Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroo faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Papua New Guinea's montane forests. Hunting pressure for subsistence and traditional purposes has intensified as human populations expand into previously remote areas. Mining activities and agricultural conversion continue to reduce the species' already restricted habitat, while climate change threatens to shift suitable temperature and precipitation zones upward beyond available mountain habitat.
Where does Dendrolagus pulcherrimus live?
Dendrolagus pulcherrimus occurs in 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 Dendrolagus pulcherrimus?
The main threats to Dendrolagus pulcherrimus are 5.1, 5.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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