Dingiso Tree Kangaroo

Characteristics:  Distinct black and white markings with a very thick coat.

Males:  ? kg (not recorded)

Females:  8-9 kg (only two females recorded)

Distribution: Found in the subalpine forest in the Tembagapura and Kwiyawagi areas of West Papua.

Elevation:  2,700 – 3,500 metres above sea level.

Diet: Very little is known about its diet.

Reproduction: Very little known about its reproduction.

Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN)

Local Names:  Dingiso, Mayamumaya, Bondegezou (Moni, Pogapa and Bibida areas, West Papua), Nemenaki (Amungme Tembagapura area, West Papua), Wanun (Dani, Ilaga and Kwiyawagi areas, West Papua), Itimili (Nduga, Mapnduma area West Papua).

Social Structure: not known but possibly sexually dimorphic.

Habits:
The Dingiso Tree Kangaroo is found in the Tembagapura and Kwiyawagi areas of West Papua. It inhabits subalpine forest and can be found at elevations from 3250-4200m. Dingiso has a distribution of up to 4000 square kilometres, but probably only uses a fraction of it. Dingiso is a large and predominately black species. The face has white stripes on either side of the muzzle and a white star in the centre of the forehead. It has a very thick coat which it needs to survive in the high elevations where it is most often encountered. Very little is known on the life history of this species as it was only described by Tim Flannery in 1995. Only two females have ever been weighed and they weighed-8.5 and 9kg. Dingiso is still hunted in some of its range. It has been classifed as vulnerable.

Conservation status:
Listed as Endangered due to a decrease in its habitat from increased agriculture and hunting in some of its range. Possibly locally protected due to traditional beliefs however more information is required for this species.

References:
Mammals of new Guinea – Tim Flannery (1995) and
Tree Kangaroos – a curious natural history – Tim Flannery, Roger Martin and Alexandra Szalay (1996). 
Illustrations Peter Schouten. 
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/6437/0