description Silky Cuscus Overview
Silky Cuscus (Phalanger sericeus) is a species of arboreal marsupial in the family Phalangeridae. It occurs in the central mountain ranges of New Guinea, including Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, where it is associated with high-elevation forest; the species is known for its dense, soft fur. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and is chiefly relevant to readers studying New Guinea's montane mammals and marsupial diversity.
help Silky Cuscus FAQ
Where does the silky cuscus live?
The silky cuscus (Phalanger sericeus) is endemic to New Guinea, occurring in the central mountain ranges across both Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea. It is associated with high-elevation montane forest rather than the lowland rainforest where many other cuscuses live.
Why is it called the silky cuscus?
The name comes from its notably dense, soft, silky fur, which is also reflected in the scientific name 'sericeus,' Latin for silky. This thick pelage suits the cool conditions of the high-elevation forests it inhabits in New Guinea's mountains.
Is the silky cuscus related to the spotted cuscus?
Yes, both are possum-like arboreal marsupials in the family Phalangeridae. The well-known spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus) occupies lowland forests, while the silky cuscus is a highlands species of the central cordillera of New Guinea.
Is the silky cuscus endangered?
It is generally not considered highly threatened, largely because its remote high-mountain forest habitat is less affected by the logging and hunting pressure facing lowland species in New Guinea. However, like other New Guinean marsupials, it depends on continued forest cover in the central ranges.
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