Tenkile
| Tenkile | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Diprotodontia |
| Family: | Macropodidae |
| Genus: | Dendrolagus |
| Species: | D. scottae |
| Binomial name | |
|
Dendrolagus scottae Flannery & Seri, 1990 |
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| Tenkile range | |
The tenkile (Dendrolagus scottae), also known as Scott's tree-kangaroo, is a species of tree-kangaroo in the family Macropodidae. It is endemic to a very small area of the Torricelli Mountains of Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It is threatened by habitat loss and by hunting. The Tenkile, are listed as endangered due to hunting and logging activities in Papua New Guinea. The Tenkile is hunted for its meat, Tenkile is the main protein source for the residents of Papua New Guinea. The population of Papua New Guinea has increased in recent years due to improvements in healthcare; therefore increasing need in Tenkile meat which means that more Tenkiles are being hunted. Additionally, Tenkiles are poached for their fur and are captured and sold as a part of the illegal pet trade. Domesticated dogs also hunt Tenkiles. Deforestation in Papua New Guinea affects all Tree-Kangaroos, however industrial logging that occurs in the Torricelli Mountain Range decreases the already small habitat of the Tenkile. The Torricelli Mountain Range faces additional deforestation due to the timber industry, and the production of coffee, rice and wheat.
The tenkile is a close relative of Doria's tree-kangaroo. It weighs 9 to 11 kilograms (20 to 24 lb), with males being larger than females. It is predominantly black with some chocolate-brown on limbs and long tail, and whirls of hair on the shoulder. It has a powerful and persistent odour. Tenkile's have a noticeably long snout, and these kangaroos are able to hop and walk bipedally. They are also able to raise their arms above their head, all of which normal kangaroos cannot.It is believed that this species possibly breeds year round with a young born each year. The young become independent after two years. The Tenkile tree kangaroo are believed to be the most intelligent out of all the tree kangaroos.
Tenkile tree kangaroos have a very limited habitat. They are found at about 900-1,700 meters above sea level in the Torricelli Mountain Range. Their total Habitat does not exceed 125 square kilometers. The tenkile inhabits mid-mountain rain-forests predominated by Podocarpus, Libocedrus, Araucaria and Rapanea. It feeds on epiphytic ferns, green leafy material and vines including Scaevola and Tetracera. However, serious studies have not been done on the diet of the Tenkile. At the moment research is being compiled from the knowledge of the local people and a collection of the animals specific diet is being prepared.
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