Wild Fact #860 – Just Hanging Out on a Monday – Tree Kangaroo
I guess I wasn’t able to convince anyone to appreciate the earwig last week. Personally, I still think they are pretty cool but what can I say, I am a Wildlife Biologist, so I like all animals. I feel bad that I ended the week with such an “icky” Wild Fact so I thought I would make it up to all of you today with a cute, fuzzy animal. There is something seriously wrong with you if you don’t like the Tree Kangaroo!!
As you can imagine the tree kangaroo is a relative of the regular kangaroo but it prefers to live in trees. They can be found in the rain forests of New Guinea and Northeastern Queensland. The tree kangaroo is similar to a turtle. No, I don’t mean genetically! I mean in the sense that they are awkward, slow and clumsy on land but the minute you put them into their preferred environment (i.e. trees) they become nimble, agile and swift. I am pretty impressed that I was just able to make a comparison between a kangaroo and a turtle!
So how did these kangaroos get to the trees? It is believed they evolved from animals similar to kangaroos and wallabies since they have retained the large legs. In order to survive in the trees though, they developed strong fore-limbs for climbing and incredibly long tails for balance. Unlike, kangaroos which have long, narrow feet, which allow them to move quickly on the plains, the tree kangaroo has shorter and wider feet used for climbing. These feet are even more adapted for life in the trees with their long claws and rubber soles. Yes, they have rubbery soled feet which obviously provides them with better grip. It is like they carry that anti-slip bathtub mat with them at all times!
If you have a bit of time then I recommend checking out the following video from National Geographic. It explains how researchers are using “Critter Cams” to learn more about these mysterious animals.
So there is your cute and cuddly fact to start the week. Have a good one!
March 8th, 2010 at 5:52 AM
Nathan-this is one adorable-looking creature. I don’t think you’ll run into too many non-believers on this one. As for the earwig, I can never understand people’s aversion to insects. Like you, I’m fascinated by all living things. Besides, bugs make me optimistic. You know hell or high water, they’re going to survive.
March 8th, 2010 at 7:14 AM
Looks like a little bear – but oh my what a tail!
March 8th, 2010 at 1:46 PM
These are such cute little creatures! I hope they survive!
March 8th, 2010 at 2:36 PM
oh he is just adorable. i want to take him home with me lol. i have never heard of or saw a tree kangaroo before. who would have thought it would be so clumsy on land, but still so cool!
Thanks for stopping by my site. I replied back on there, then noticed i could get to your site from your profile name, so ill put the reply here for you too
Tina from
Gossip Avenue
Travel Shack
Mummy Diaries
Game FreakZ
So about the Air purifier …..
My friend is an air hostess who told me about it. It works really well for her, but i havent used it myself as yet.
The zone is like your own personal space – so like it wouldnt effect the person next to you or in front of you, about arms legnth if that makes sense!
I always find google great for finding out reviews from other people who have tried it though if your unsure. Just type in the product then review. I’m sure something would pop up
Thanks so much for stopping by. Glad you found my site useful and hope you can stop by again.
Take Care
Tina
March 8th, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Thanks for stopping by, NP! I am so happy to hear that at least one other person is fascinated by all wildlife! I thought I might have been crazy!
That is a great view on insects! You are right though they will survive anything!
March 8th, 2010 at 7:00 PM
It does kind of look like a little bear, doesn’t it? I didn’t see that at first. Thanks, Grace!
March 8th, 2010 at 7:01 PM
Although they are endangered the locals in the area have agreed to create a wildlife preserve for these tree kangaroos. The hunters were actually helping researchers so that is a great sign.
Hopefully, their population will remain steady and perhaps start to increase.
March 8th, 2010 at 7:03 PM
Hi Tina,
Thanks for stopping by Wild Facts! As well, thanks for answering my questions about the air purifier. That is a fascinating device!
The Tree Kangaroo is definitely a cute animal and I am sure a lot of people would like one as a pet. If you are ever in New Guinea then try spotting one of these little guys, although, they do live in pretty remote areas.
Thanks again for stopping by!
March 6th, 2012 at 7:13 AM
YOUR RIGHT Earwigs are cool and tree kangaroo babys are cute.