The Sulawesi bear cuscus, the Sulawesi bear phalanger (Ailurops ursinus)
The Sulawesi bear cuscus, also known as the Sulawesi bear phalanger (Ailurops ursinus), is a species of arboreal marsupial in the family Phalangeridae that is endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands in Indonesia. It lives in tropical moist lowland forest at elevations up to 600 m (2,000 ft) and is diurnal, folivorous and often found in pairs. Ailurops ursinus is threatened by hunting, collection for the pet trade and deforestation.
Ailurops ursinus is a species of diprotodontid marsupial in the family Phalangeridae, one of two that make up the genus Ailurops. This rare species is endemic to Sulawesi and other nearby smaller islands of Indonesia.
Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forest from sea level to over 600 metres above sea level.
Ailurops ursinus has a body length of about 56 cm, a tail of about 54 cm and a weight of up to 7 kg. The muzzle is short and the ears are small and fluffy. Its coat, consisting of a soft undercoat and ribbed scales, may be black, grey or brown, with lighter coloured belly and limbs.
The colouring in Ailurops ursinus changes with the age of the animal. The tail is sticky and hairless, and is used together with the forelegs, which have two opposable toes, and the hind legs to move about in trees.
Ailurops ursinus usually lives in pairs or in groups of three or four individuals. They are arboreal and move slowly from tree to tree with their tail and strong forelegs. Ailurops ursinus rests or sleeps most of the day, spending some time foraging and cleaning its fur.
The diet of Ailurops ursinus consists almost entirely of leaves, and to a not inconsiderable extent of unripe fruits, flowers and buds.
Female Ailurops ursinus give birth to 1-2 young once or twice a year. They spend the first eight months of their lives inside their mother's pouch, but remain with her for some time. The age of sexual maturity of Ailurops ursinus is unknown.
