Sulawesi Bear Cuscus

The Sulawesi Bear Cuscus is a marsupial endemic to the island of Sulawesi (Celebes) and the small neighbouring islands that are part of the Indonesian archipelago. It measures about 50 cm with a gripping, naked tail which is as long as its body: it weighs between 7 and 10 kg. The colour of its fur varies from black to grey-brown and is thick and short.

The Sulawesi Bear Cuscus lives in the treetops of humid low altitude tropical forests. It moves slowly, using its tail and its front paws with opposed fingers to cling to the branches. It mainly eats leaves and green fruits, is mainly active in daytime and spends a lot of time resting, to digest the cellulose of its vegetarian meals.

As with all marsupials, the young are born incomplete and continue to grow in their mother’s pouch for 8 months. The species is threatened by deforestation, hunting and the catching of individuals for the illegal trade in exotic animals.