Silky Cuscus

activity

Activity patterns. The Silky Cuscus is nocturnal and rests during the day in hollows of large rainforest trees. There are reports of them nesting on the ground among stones and in tree stumps. Field observations showed that male Mountain Cuscuses used up to 22 dens / year that were spaced an average of 97 m apart; a radio-collared female used nine dens in 61 days. During the night, Silky Cuscuses spend ¢. 50 % oftheir time eating, ¢. 25 % resting, and the remainder traveling.

Phalangeridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Most primary montane forests along the Central Range at elevations of c. 1500 m to the tree line at ¢. 3900 m. The Silky Cuscus is uncommon in primary oak forest in the Telefomin region at elevations of ¢. 1500 m, where it is sympatric with the Ground Cuscus, the Telefomin Cuscus, the Mountain Cuscus, and Stein’s Cuscus. In more disturbed forests, such as on Mount Albert Edward, the Silky Cuscus appears to be restricted to a higher elevation of ¢. 2000 m, where it is sympatric with the Mountain Cuscus. In this region, the Silky Cuscus is most common at elevations of 2900 - 3100 m. Due to their adaptation to higher elevations where they naturally occur, Silky Cuscuses appear to readily suffer heat stress if moved to lower elevations.

Phalangeridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Male Silky Cuscuses travel an average of 50 m / h. When captured, Silky Cuscuses can emit a loud barking snarl; another call resembles crying of a very young human baby.

Phalangeridae

breeding

Breeding. Limited observations of breeding characteristics of Silky Cuscuses include a single pouch young recorded in December, another female with a single enlarged nipple in December, and a female with a young on her back in December. Two females were observed in late April with single young on their backs, weighing 740 g and 910 g.

Phalangeridae