CR

Dendrolagus scottae

Stable

Overview

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

Tenkile tree kangaroos face severe population decline primarily due to hunting pressure for meat and traditional ceremonies, with their slow reproductive rate making recovery extremely difficult. Habitat destruction from logging and agricultural expansion has fragmented their remaining forest refuges in Papua New Guinea's Torricelli Mountains. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the montane forest ecosystems they depend on for food and shelter.

Threat summary

Habitat

Tenkile tree kangaroos inhabit primary and secondary montane rainforests between 1,200-1,800 meters elevation in the Torricelli Mountains of northwestern Papua New Guinea. They prefer dense canopy forests with abundant fruiting trees and epiphytes that provide both food sources and secure nesting sites.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Dendrolagus scottae classified as Critically Endangered?
Dendrolagus scottae 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. Tenkile tree kangaroos face severe population decline primarily due to hunting pressure for meat and traditional ceremonies, with their slow reproductive rate making recovery extremely difficult. Habitat destruction from logging and agricultural expansion has fragmented their remaining forest refuges in Papua New Guinea's Torricelli Mountains. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the montane forest ecosystems they depend on for food and shelter.
Where does Dendrolagus scottae live?
Dendrolagus scottae 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 scottae?
The main threats to Dendrolagus scottae 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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