Couscous

These marsupial animals with sharp claws and a long tail can be found in the rainforests of the Sunda Islands and the Malay Archipelago and New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the north-east of the Australian continent.
Couscous (Latin Phalanger) is more widespread at altitudes between 500 and 1500 meters above sea level, they are very rarely found in swampy areas and river deltas.
There are 13 species of couscous, the largest in size of them is spotted couscous (Latin Spilocuscus maculatus). Interestingly, only males have this spotted color, their fur is white with brown and gray spots.
Females are usually gray with solid colors. In the tropical forests of New Guinea and now actively hunted this species of Spotted couscous because of the rich proteins in the meat.

Couscous Feed

They usually feed on insects, reptiles and small birds. Although these animals are carnivores, their main diet consists of leaves and fruits of plants.

Appearance Couscous

Their size and weight vary according to habitat – larger species are found in Lowlands, smaller species in mountains. Body length on average in an adult is 30-65 cm, tail length – 25-60 cm, body weight from 1 to 7 kg.
Its tail is very long, it is partially covered by fur, it is serrated which helps them to cling to the branches of trees. Strong, 5-fingered paws, on the hind fingers claws are absent.
In some species e.g. spotted couscous ears are small, almost not obsearva, in other species are large and without fur.
Round eyes of red or brown color with a light yellow edge, nose of a yellowish color. The hair is short, thick, white, red, gray or black with markings on the abdomen.

Couscous Behavior

It generally lives in trees and practically does not descend to the ground. During the day they enter the hollows of trees and spend the rest of the day there. The exception is the lowland couscous, which prefers to settle in burrows, but they feel equally well both in open ground and in trees.
Some New Guinea Hunters say they saw couscous early in the morning, basking in the sun. During the night they move slowly through the trees in search of prey.

Breeding Couscous

More accurate information about the life expectancy in the wild of this animal does not exist. The average age in captivity is 10-11 years, although there are cases when he reached the age of 18 years.
Couscous do not gather in groups, preferring a solitary lifestyle. The female carries the Cubs in a deep bag for several months.
It usually gives birth to 1 or 2 Cubs. These animals are listed in the Red Book of the International Union for the protection of nature.