Dingiso

The Dingiso ( Dendrolagus mbaiso ), also referred to as Black and white tree kangaroo, is a very rare Baumkänguruart, which is endemic in West New Guinea in the Sudirman Mountains area. It was not until 1994 under the Grasberg mine discovered in the mining town of Tembagapura and described in 1995 by Tim Flannery. 2009 get a film crew as part of the BBC documentary The South Seas - The Adventure (South Pacific ), the first film footage of Dingisos.

Features

The Dingiso reaches a head-body length of 660-670 mm, a tail length of 415-520 mm, a Hinterfußlänge 108-110 mm and an ear length from 46 to 51.7 mm. The weight is 6.5 to 14.5 kilograms. The coat color is predominantly black. Throat and belly are white. On both sides of the muzzle are white stripes and in the middle of the forehead a star-shaped white pattern can be seen. The coat is very thick and long.

Occurrence and habitat

The distribution area of Dingisos probably covers an area of 4000 km ². Part of it lies in the Lorentz National Park. The habitat is forests and scrub areas in the subalpine zone at altitudes 2700-3500 meters.

Way of life

Little is known about the lifestyle. Dingisos are very trusting. Members of the Moni tribe reported Dingisos who held a paw up while uttering Pfeiflaute. As with other tree kangaroos is the main food of leaves and fruits.

Endangering

In the western part of the range the Dingiso is protected due to a tradition of the locals. In other areas, however, it is hunted for food assistance. Other hazards are the growing populations in the region, habitat destruction and climate change represents the IUCN classified the species in the category Endangered ( critically endangered ) a.

Etymology

The specific epithet mbaiso means " the forbidden animal " in the language of Moni. The members of this home in West New Guinea tribe worship the tree kangaroos as the spirit of their ancestors and do not chase the animals therefore.