Phalanger orientalis
gray cuscus

Phalanger orientalis is thought to have originated on New Guinea and then to have been distributed primarily by prehistoric humans to the range it currently occupies (Nowak, 1999). That range now includes the South West Pacific islands of Buru, Seram, the Solomon and Molucca Islands, northern New Guinea, and the Bismark Archipelago (Nowak, 1999) . Until recently, P. orientalis and P. intercastellanus (Southern Common Cuscus) were thought to belong to the same species (Flannery, 1995). P. intercastellanus inhabits northern Australia, the Aru Islands, and the Louisade Archipelago (Strahan, 1995).

P. orientalis is resitricted to tropical rainforests and thick scrub in the South West Pacific (Nowak, 1999). They have also been spotted in gardens, probably due to the high abundance of edible plants (Flannery, 1995).

P. orientalis, like others in the family Phalangeridae, is heavy and powerfully built (Nowak, 1999). The average mass is about 2.1 kg. This is slightly lower in females (Grizmek, 1990).

The tail is prehensile naked at the end. It is covered with horny papillae. The tail length varies from 28 to 42 cm (Grizmek, 1990). The male tail is completely white but female tails are white only on the tips.

In adult males, the thick, wooly fur ranges in color from white to medium or dark grey (Nowak, 1999). In adult females, the color ranges from reddish-brown to brownish-grey. The stomach area is commonly white. The male has a distinct yellowish chest gland. Usually a dark stripe runs from the head to the lower back. The young of this species are reddish-brown. (Flannery, 1995; Nowak, 1999)

The digits are of different lengths and are tipped by long, curved claws. Their paws are syndactylous, with the first and second digits opposable to the rest. The soles of their feet are naked and striated. The female pouch has four mammae (Nowak, 1999). The facial features include large eyes, long canines and a snout longer than that of Spilocuscus maculatus (Spotted Cuscus). The teeth are simple, low crowned and used for grinding (Flannery, 1995).

P. orientalis is nocturnal, spending the day in a tree hollow. While foraging for food at night, it travels through the forest in a slow deliberate climb (Nowak, 1999). P. orientalis grips with three feet at a time and the tail wraps around the branch ready to hold weight. Ground travel -- though rare -- is characterized by a slow, bounding gait. If necessary, P. orientalis moves quickly through the canopy and even jump across gaps (Flannery, 1995).

P. orientalis is solitary and has been oberseved to be very intolerant of Spilocuscus maculatus (Spotted Cuscus) if they come in contact with one another. P. orientalis is more tolerant of humans, and it is commonly kept as a pet (Flannery, 1995).

P. orientalis climbs slowly through the rainforests and locates mainly leaves, tree seeds, fruit, buds and flowers on which they feed (Girzmek, 1990). It has been spotted eating the green fruit of the Red Cedar (Toona australis) and the buds and flowers of Corky Bark (Carallia brachiata). A paste derived from the seeds of the Black Bean Tree (Castanospermum australe) was found in the stomach of one animal. While in captivity it primarily eats leaves and fruit (Flannery, 1995).

P. orientalis had not been closely studied due to its secluded lifestyle. The following are a few specific predators that have been documented: White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) (Heinsohn, 2000), Amethystine (Morelia amethistina)(Flannery, 1995), Carpet Pythons (Morelia s. cheynei)(Flannery, 1995), and possibly Dasyurids (Grizmek, 1990). The assumption is that these and other species like them prey upon P. orientalis.

P. orientalis does not have any recorded ecological roles.

In New Guinea, P. orientalis is hunted for food by native tribes, though this is rare (Flannery, 1995).

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