Phalanger matanim
CR

Phalanger matanim

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telefomin_cuscus

Overview

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

Phalanger matanim faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in the Moluccas. Hunting pressure for bushmeat and the pet trade compounds these threats, while the species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions. Climate change-induced shifts in forest composition may further reduce suitable habitat for this arboreal marsupial.

Threat summary

Habitat

This arboreal marsupial inhabits primary and secondary tropical rainforests in the Moluccas, particularly favoring dense canopy areas with abundant fruiting trees. The species requires continuous forest cover for movement between feeding and nesting sites.

Forest· majorForest - Temperate· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in PHALANGERIDAE

Phalanger lullulaeEN

Phalanger lullulae

Stable
Spilocuscus rufonigerCR

Spilocuscus rufoniger

Declining
CR

Spilocuscus wilsoni

Declining
VU

Bear Cuscus

Ailurops ursinus

Declining

Threatened in Papua New Guinea

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Hill's Leaf-nosed Bat

Hipposideros edwardshilli

Unknown
VU

Southern New Guinea Giant Softshell Turtle

Pelochelys bibroni

Unknown
EN

Montipora calcarea

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Phalanger matanim classified as Critically Endangered?
Phalanger matanim 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. Phalanger matanim faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in the Moluccas. Hunting pressure for bushmeat and the pet trade compounds these threats, while the species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions. Climate change-induced shifts in forest composition may further reduce suitable habitat for this arboreal marsupial.
Where does Phalanger matanim live?
Phalanger matanim 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 Phalanger matanim?
The main threats to Phalanger matanim are 1.1, 5.1, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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