Lumholtz tree Kangaroo

Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo
Dendrolagus lumholtzi

Kangaroos living in trees sound so improbable that many assume they’re the product of the Australian sense of humour – along with drop bears! However, tree-kangaroos are real and inhabit the tropical forests of Australia and New Guinea. Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo is the smallest species and is confined to the wet tropics of north-eastern Queensland. It spends most of its time in the rainforest canopy where it feeds on leaves of trees and vines, and epiphytes such as ferns and orchids. Its powerful limbs and strong, curved claws help it clamber around the canopy, with its long rope-like tail providing balance. Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo is mostly solitary and both males and females are territorial.

Distribution: north-eastern Queensland between Ingham and Mossman
Conservation status: Least Concern
Evolutionary distinctiveness: Low