Dendrolagus scottae
tenkile tree kangaroo

Tenkile tree kangaroos are found only Papua New Guinea, and only in Sandaun Province along the Torricelli Mountains in the rainforests on the southern side of Mount Sumoro. Today, the total area occupied by these tree kangaroos is only about 50 square kilometers. (Massicot, 2002; Tenkile Conservation Alliance and Inc., 2003; Zoological Parks and Gardens Board, 1998)

The rainforest canopy on the southern side of Mount Somoro is now the only home to tenkile tree kangaroos. This habitat is at elevations of 900 to 1500 meters. (Massicot, 2002)

The body mass of Dendrolagus scottae averages 10 kg. Tree kangaroos have bodies that are built for climbing up and down trees and for moving along tree branches. The tail is similar to that of other macropods, but the tenkiles are more adapted for maneuvering through the upper levels of the rainforest. Good balance and agility are needed to be able to jump or move from tree to tree without falling to the forest floor. These qualities are enhanced by the tenkiles' floppy tails. Large foreclaws enable these animals to grasp tree branches and climb through the canopy with ease. Their fur is a dark brown color and, like many other marsupials, they have a pouch used in the development of offspring. (Massicot, 2002; Tenkile Conservation Alliance and Inc., 2003)

There is little information on longevity in D. scottae, however other tree kangaroos are known to live 20 years or more in captivity. (Nowak, 1991)

Tenkiles or Scott's tree kangaroos are diurnal and mainly terrestrial, though they can climb to escape predators and danger. Native people report that they were previously encountered mainly in groups of 4 animals, including a male, female, and their young, but are more commonly found as solitary females and young in recent years, this may be the result of severe population declines in recent years. In the wild, females may have a few acres as their territory, while males maintain a much larger territory. (Massicot, 2002)

Other tree kangaroo species are mainly arboreal. They are capable of large leaps from the ground into the trees and from tree to tree. On the ground they move with small hops. On the ground the tail is held arched over their back and the head leans far forward. Related females may form social groups that cooperate in defense against unfamiliar males. (Nowak, 1991)

Little is known about how tenkiles communicate, however it is likely that they use the full suite of available senses to communicate and perceive their environment, including vision, chemical cues, touch, and hearing. (Massicot, 2002)

Tenkiles, or Scott's tree kangaroos, are mainly herbivorous. Their primary diet consists of tree leaves, ferns, and soft vines. They may forage in the trees or on the ground. (Massicot, 2002)

The main predator of Scott's tree kangaroos is humans. Tribal hunters in the areas of the Torricelli Mountains are hunting these animals resulting in rapidly decreasing populations. They are used for meat and skins. The young are also being killed for their skins, or they are being captured and kept as pets. Little is known about any anti-predator adaptations in this species. (Tenkile Conservation Alliance and Inc., 2003)

Tenkile tree kangaroos impact plant communities in the ecosystems in which they live through their predation on plants. Little is known of other impacts they may have. (Massicot, 2002; Nowak, 1991)

There are no known adverse affects of tenkile tree kangaroos on humans.

Humans use tenkile tree kangaroos as a source of food and fur and sometimes keep them as pets. (Massicot, 2002)

Scott's tree kangaroos, which were first discovered in 1989, are thought to be the rarest tree kangaroo species. Wild populations are rapidly declining, and is now thought to be less than 200 individuals. This is about a 75% reduction since the species was first discovered. The main reason for these falling numbers is hunting by the increasing human population and habitat loss. To deal with this unfortunate population decline, the Tenkile Conservation Alliance was formed in 1999. This conservation group is working to maintain the failing habitat of this rare species. If action is not taken soon, the tenkile population is likely to be extinct within just a few years. (Massicot, 2002; Tenkile Conservation Alliance and Inc., 2003; Zoological Parks and Gardens Board, 1998)

Dendrolagus scottae individuals have a strong odor, which can last for up to a week on items that an animal comes in contact with (e.g. a handler's hands). Another interesting tidbit about these animals is how they received the common name 'Scott's Tree Kangaroo'. The story is that there was a trust fund named after a man called Winifred Scott. After his death in 1985, the Permanent Trustee Company, a co-trustee of the Scott Trust, donated the trust income to an Australian Museum research program. Participants in this program discovered the tenkile. In honor of Winifred, this species of tree kangaroo was given the name Scott's tree kangaroo. (Massicot, 2002; Permanent Trustee Company and Ltd., 2003)