Spilocuscus maculatus
short-tailed spotted cuscus

This species is found in New Guinea and in Australia, where it is limited to the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland.

P. maculatus occurs mainly in rainforests from sea-level to over 820 m. It also lives in mangroves, riparian forests and open forest.

Head body length for four speciemens ranged from 348-442 mm. Tail length for the same four animals was 315-430 mm. Males are grey spotted with white dorsal and ventral surfaces. Juvenile males may not have spots. Females are usually uniformly grey but may have a white rump. The fur is dense and wooly and almost hides the short ears. The snout is short. There is a red rim around the eyes. The skin is yellowish-pink. This species can be distinguished from P. orientalis by the lack of a mid-dorsal stripe, the small ears and the skin color.

Not much is known of the reproductive habits of this species, but there seems to be an extended breeding season. As many as three young have been observed in the pouch of a single female, but only one young is typical.

Males are aggressive and cannot be kept together in captivity.

Phalanger maculatus seems to be an herbivore, though it has been observed eating fruit and flowers. The large canine teeth have been argued to suggest at least some carnivory and captive animals do eat chicken and canned dog food.

Extensively hunted for meat in New Guinea.

This species is sparse but widespread throughout its limited range in Australia and is common in New Guinea.

This species, like other large phalangerids, is almost completely arboreal and has strong hands and feet adapted for grasping branches.