Species: Matschieís tree kangaroo (Dendragus matschiei)
Sex: The Detroit Zoo is home to two tree kangaroos, a male and female.
Home: Mountainous rainforests of New Guinea.
Diet: Herbivore. Favorite foods include leaves and fruit.
Average life span in captivity: Up to 20 years.
Body and head length: 20-32 inches.
Weight: 15-22 pounds.
Birth: Tree kangaroos are marsupials. After a gestation period of 44 days, the female gives birth to one tiny, ĺ-inch-long joey, which climbs up into the motherís pouch where it continues to develop for about seven months. The joey is weaned and independent at one year.
Now you know: Tree kangaroos are slow and clumsy on the ground and spend most of their time in trees, where they can leap long distances. Tree kangaroos can jump 50 feet or more to the ground. They are the most colorful members of the kangaroo family. Their bright colors help them blend into their leafy environment. Unlike land-dwelling kangaroos, the limbs of the tree kangaroo are nearly equal in length, making climbing easier. They use their long tails for balance. Tree kangaroos are mostly solitary animals.
Protection status: Endangered, due to ongoing habitat destruction and hunting by humans.
Detroit Zoo information: 248-541-5717, www.detroitzoo.org.
Editorís note: Animals of the Zoo is a weekly series. Next: White rhinoceros.
ó Joe Ballor, Daily Tribune
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