What kind of kangaroo is the tenkile?

The tenkile is a species of tree kangaroo first discovered in 1989, making it a relatively new discovery. They are incredibly rare, with estimates suggesting that only a few hundred individuals remain.

The tenkile has shorter fur and a distinctive brown and white mottled pattern, distinguishing it from other tree kangaroos. They have a round face, small ears, and an overall stocky appearance. They are adapted to an arboreal lifestyle and are skilled climbers, but they are also known to be active on the ground.

What do tenkiles eat?

Tenkiles are herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves and fruits. They have a diverse diet, consuming a variety of leaves and fruits found in the rainforest.

They favor leaves like those from fig and oak trees. They also consume flowers, bark, ferns, and moss. Occasionally, they might snack on insects or bird eggs. Unlike ground-dwelling kangaroos, they don't eat much grass, as grass is not abundant in their rainforest habitat.

What kind of lives do they lead?

Tenkiles are mainly nocturnal, spending the day resting in trees and becoming active at night to forage for food. They are often solitary creatures, only encountering other tree kangaroos during the breeding season.

When it's time to breed, males try to attract females by calling and drumming on trees. Females give birth to one joey at a time and raise it in their pouch for about 10 months. After leaving the pouch, the joey stays with its mother for a while.

[Quiz!] Why are tenkiles endangered?

Tenkiles are primarily threatened by deforestation. The rainforests they inhabit are being cleared for timber and agriculture.

Deforestation leads to habitat loss, reduces their food sources, and creates isolated populations. Isolated populations have lower genetic diversity and are more vulnerable to diseases and environmental changes. They are also hunted for their meat and fur. To protect tenkiles, it is crucial to conserve their rainforest habitat and regulate hunting. Captive breeding and conservation efforts in zoos are also necessary to ensure the species' survival.

[Quiz!] What efforts are being made to protect tenkile?

Various efforts are underway to protect tenkiles, including:

- Regulation of deforestation: Laws have been enacted to regulate the logging of rainforests, the tenkile's habitat.

- Establishment of protected areas: Efforts are being made to designate tenkile habitats as protected areas to ensure their safety.

- Public awareness campaigns: Educational programs are being conducted to raise awareness among local communities about the importance of tenkiles.

- Promotion of ecotourism: Efforts are underway to utilize tenkile habitats as tourist destinations to achieve both regional economic development and tenkile conservation.

- Research activities: Research is ongoing to gain a deeper understanding of tenkile ecology and behavior.

These initiatives are expected to prevent the extinction of tenkiles and protect their future.

[Quiz!] What does the 'sottae' in the scientific name 'Dendrolagus scottae' mean?

The 'sottae' in the tenkile's scientific name, 'Dendrolagus scottae,' is named after the American zoologist Deborah Scott.

She conducted research on tenkiles in the 1980s and made many valuable discoveries about their ecology.