ExploreMammals

Ground cuscus

Phalanger gymnotis

The Ground Cuscus is a cute, furry animal that loves to climb trees and eat leaves. They have big eyes and a fluffy tail, making them look very cuddly!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Ground cuscus is a stocky possum relative with short, coarse fur that ranges from reddish-brown to grey-brown, often with a darker stripe down its back. It has small ears, large forward-facing eyes, and a bare, scaly prehensile tail. Its lighter underside provides camouflage in the forest.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderDiprotodontiaFamilyPhalangeridaeGenusPhalanger
Ground cuscus
furry trait badgearboreal trait badgeherbivorous trait badgeforest trait badge
Ground cuscus

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite its name, the Ground cuscus spends some time climbing trees!

Ground cuscuses make a range of sounds, including growls, hisses, and whistles!

It's often called a "bear cuscus" because of its stocky build and bear-like face!

Its long, gripping tail is often bare and scaly at the end, perfect for climbing!

Special abilities

Ability

Night Vision

Ground cuscus has large, forward-facing eyes that help them see in the dark, making them excellent nocturnal hunters.

Ability

Camouflage Coat

Ground cuscus has coarse, varied fur colors that help them blend into the forest floor and tree canopy.

Ability

Stealth Mover

Ground cuscus can move slowly and silently through the undergrowth, which helps them sneak up on unsuspecting prey.

Measurements & details

Length
35-55 cm
Weight
1.5-6 kg
Lifespan
5-11 years
Top Speed
8 km/h
Litter Size
1-2
Gestation
13-17 days

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore munching on fruits, leaves, and various small critters found on the forest floor.

Primary Foods

  • Fruits
  • Leaves
  • Insects
  • Lizards
  • Birds' eggs
  • Small mammals

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

New Guinea Harpy Eagle

Harpyopsis novaeguineae

Large raptor that preys on arboreal and terrestrial mammals.

eaten by

Carpet Python

Morelia spilota

Constricts and eats small to medium-sized mammals and birds.

eats

Fig tree

Ficus subcordata

Consumes the ripe fruits and leaves from this common forest tree.

eaten by

Human

Homo sapiens

Hunted by local people for food and traditional uses.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always observe animals from a distance and never try to touch them in the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Ground cuscus?

35-55 cm

How much does Ground cuscus weigh?

1.5-6 kg

How long does Ground cuscus live?

5-11 years

How fast can Ground cuscus move?

8 km/h

What does Ground cuscus eat?

An omnivore munching on fruits, leaves, and various small critters found on the forest floor.

Where is Ground cuscus usually found?

Forests

How does Ground cuscus hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Ground cuscus usually have?

1-2

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Where to spot

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