Fun Ground Cuscus Facts For Kids

Popularly called by the names’ ket-ketm’, ‘kñm’, and ‘madaw’ in Kalam by the natives of Papua New Guinea, the ground cuscus (Phalanger gymnotis) is a nocturnal marsupial belonging to the Phalangeridae family. Normally, a cuscus is arboreal, dwelling and foraging among trees within dense forest covers. However, the ground cuscus has a unique adaptation as it is at ease both on the ground level and in trees. The length of the tail is almost as much as the length of the body acting as a hand. With the help of its long tail, the animal easily clings on branches of trees, retrieving its favorite fruit and leaves.If you visit the islands of Salawati or Aru, you might be overawed to find beautiful body décor items in the market. Do you know where these ornaments and hats come from? It’s extracted from the cuscus. The species is extensively captured and hunted for both rearings as a pet as well as for business purposes. Although the marsupial has secure conservation status, it is believed that unrestrained hunting practices have led to the extirpation of the cuscus from its actual habitat range.Continue reading to get blown away. For more such mind-boggling facts about some other cuscus species, check out the Japanese robin and Indian robin.

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Herbivore

Average litter size? 1 joey

How much do they weigh? 3.3-10.7 lb (1.5-4.8 kg)

How long are they? 12.2-21.2 in (31-53.8 cm)

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Silver-gray and gray-brown

Skin Type Fur

What were their main threats? Human Activities, Predatory Animals

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Tropical Forests, Plantations, Rural Gardens

Locations Papua New Guinea, Indonesia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Phalanger

Class Mammalia

Family Phalangeridae

Ground Cuscus Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a ground cuscus?Categorized under the Phalangeridae family, the ground cuscus (Phalanger gymnotis) is a species of marsupial, and like all marsupials, they have a pouch.What class of animal does a ground cuscus belong to?The species belongs to the diverse order Diprotodontia that also includes possums, wallabies, and kangaroos. This arboreal marsupial has been categorized under the Mammalia class.How many ground cuscus are there in the world?The number of adult ground cuscus currently surviving is unknown since there are no quantification records. Nevertheless, a decreasing population trend has been witnessed, most probably due to excessive hunting as well as the presence of predatory animals like dogs.Where does a ground cuscus live?The ground cuscus geographic range primarily encompasses Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The islands of Salawati, Aru, Misool, and Yapen are replete with the ground cuscus population.What is a ground cuscus’ habitat?The habitat range of the species is diverse, skirting around tropical rainforests, scrublands, plantations, and seldom near rural gardens in close proximity to human habitation. Usually, the animal steers clear of floodplains, deltas, or swampy areas.Who does a ground cuscus live with?This marsupial species exhibits an asocial behavior, living solitarily for most of their lives. However, during the breeding period, these cuscuses can be spotted in pairs.How long does a ground cuscus live?In general, a cuscus has an average lifespan of eleven years in the wilderness. The ground cuscuses can survive for around ten years. As per records, the lifespan of the oldest captive specimen has been observed at 18 years.How do they reproduce?The breeding habits of the species cannot be stated in detail due to inadequate data. In captivity, males chase and pursue females, often biting them chiefly at night. Normally the gestation period lasts for about 13 days. A female gives birth to a joey in a year. Weaning takes place inside the pouch where the young are breastfed. The young ones generally remain concealed in their mother’s pouch for three to five months before they move out permanently.What is their conservation status?The population of the ground cuscus (Phalanger gymnotis) is widespread across its geographical habitat. Due to its ample numbers, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List has aptly classified the cuscus species under the Least Concern group.Ground Cuscus Fun FactsWhat does ground cuscus look like?The ground cuscus animal primarily comes in the shade varying between silver-gray or gray-brown. The fur is coarse yet soft, covering the rump, stretching down till the edge of the tail. The ears are not as furry as the rest of the mantle. The belly is sometimes spotted with gray. The animal possesses large feet comprising five digits, naked ears, and a pouch with four mammae. The pouch opens forth just like that of the kangaroo and is used to carry the young. The species does not have the white-colored underbelly or blotched markings on the upperparts like the common spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus). The species possesses sharp teeth. Do you know about the dental construction of the cuscus species of the Phalangeridae family? It’s 3/2, 1/0, 2-3/2-3, 4/4.How cute are they?The concept of cuteness varies from person to person. A wildlife enthusiast might marvel at the sight of a cuscus, but mostly, the species does not evoke the feeling of admiration.How do they communicate?In general, the ground cuscus communicate through pheromones emitted by the cloacal gland. Urinal scents play an essential role in establishing communication. Marking territories or alluring mates are carried out through these signals. The animal also vocalizes prior to and at the time of breeding while actions suggesting aggression like foot thumping, hissing, and honking are projected at the time of fights.How big is a ground cuscus?Ground cuscuses have an approximate body length of 12.2-21.2 in (31-53.8 cm). They’re more than four times larger than the small-sized honey possum measuring about 2.5-3.5 in (6.3-8.8 cm). The common spotted cuscus is slightly larger than the ground cuscus, with an approximate length of 13-24 in (33-60.9 cm).How fast can a ground cuscus run?The accurate speed limit of the ground cuscus currently remains a mystery. However, a cuscus, in general, can attain a speed of up to 15 mph (24 kph).How much does a ground cuscus weigh?On average, ground cuscuses possess a weight of around 3.3-10.7 lb (1.5-4.8 kg). The size of these animals vary according to locations - the ones residing on the lowlands are bulkier and slightly larger than the inhabitants of the highland.What are the male and female names of the species?Neither sexes have distinct names; they’re commonly referred to as male and female cuscuses, respectively.What would you call a baby ground cuscus?A baby ground cuscus is regarded as a joey.What do they eat?Usually, cuscuses are known to be folivores as well as frugivores. The species primarily feast on a fruit diet. The diet of the animal also consists of seeds, nuts, leaves, grains, and eggs. Elaeocarpus, Rungia, Pandanus, Ficus, and Pipturus are some of the plants that form a major part of their diet. The female has been spotted storing fruit in its pouch to take back to its dens, where it stocks all the collected food. Sometimes the animal eats food extracted from crops and plantations (such as sweet potatoes).Are they dangerous?There is no evidence of aggression or hostility of the species towards human beings. In fact, dogs are used by many hunters to pursue and hunt these animals. However, these animals are extremely territorial when it comes to warding off competitors, that is, the other intruding males.Would they make a good pet?Endemic to Australia and its adjoining islands, cuscuses can be extremely difficult to trace as they mostly remain camouflaged among forest trees. Nevertheless, in many villages in New Guinea and Australia, these animals have emerged as favorite house pets, just like cats. They’re pretty shy animals and extremely cute! However, handling them after maturity, especially during the breeding season, can be a big ask.Did you know…Phalanger gymnotis is popularly reared as pets, but the species is also hunted down for their high commercial value. In Papua New Guinea, the cuscus holds a special cultural significance as its ultra-soft fur is utilized to produce hats and ornaments like the bila. Moreover, the animal has also carved its way to the food market owing to its tender and delectable meat.Keeping a ground cuscusThe ground cuscus has been maintained as a pet for a long time. However, just like other pet animals, the species requires training and proper care. A perch must be constructed for the arboreal species, and a nest box must be made accessible. Nutritious food and medical attention are necessary because ailments such as arthritis or dental issues are common. Although the common spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus) is also readily available in the pet market, it might not make an ideal pet due to its aggressive behavior that involves scratching, kicking, and even biting at the slightest anticipation of danger.What are cuscus related to?The arboreal, tree-dwelling, slothful marsupial commonly found in the islands of Australia was previously considered to be a close relative of the monkey. The animal was referred to as a ‘monkey marsupial’ owing to its arboreal nature. The nocturnal species could be spotted mostly among trees. Just like the monkeys, the movement of these animals among trees is facilitated by their tail. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these radjah shelduck facts and yellow warbler facts for kids.You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable mallard duck coloring pages.Second image by Marie Hale.

What type of animal is a ground cuscus?

Categorized under the Phalangeridae family, the ground cuscus (Phalanger gymnotis) is a species of marsupial, and like all marsupials, they have a pouch.

Fun Ground Cuscus Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Herbivore

Average litter size? 1 joey

How much do they weigh? 3.3-10.7 lb (1.5-4.8 kg)

How long are they? 12.2-21.2 in (31-53.8 cm)

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Silver-gray and gray-brown

Skin Type Fur

What were their main threats? Human Activities, Predatory Animals

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Tropical Forests, Plantations, Rural Gardens

Locations Papua New Guinea, Indonesia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Phalanger

Class Mammalia

Family Phalangeridae

Fun Ground Cuscus Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Herbivore

Average litter size? 1 joey

How much do they weigh? 3.3-10.7 lb (1.5-4.8 kg)

How long are they? 12.2-21.2 in (31-53.8 cm)

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Silver-gray and gray-brown

Skin Type Fur

What were their main threats? Human Activities, Predatory Animals

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Tropical Forests, Plantations, Rural Gardens

Locations Papua New Guinea, Indonesia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Phalanger

Class Mammalia

Family Phalangeridae

Fun Ground Cuscus Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? N/A

What do they eat? Herbivore

Average litter size? 1 joey

How much do they weigh? 3.3-10.7 lb (1.5-4.8 kg)

How long are they? 12.2-21.2 in (31-53.8 cm)

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Silver-gray and gray-brown

Skin Type Fur

What were their main threats? Human Activities, Predatory Animals

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Tropical Forests, Plantations, Rural Gardens

Locations Papua New Guinea, Indonesia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Phalanger

Class Mammalia

Family Phalangeridae