Common Spotted Cuscus-Classification, Appearance, Habitat, and Facts
November 2, 2023 
written by Sidra Batool
written by Sidra BatoolThe Common Spotted Cuscus, also known as the Northern Common Cuscus, is a marsupial found in the northern regions of Australia and New Guinea.
Common Spotted Cuscus
Here is some information about this interesting creature:
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Classification | Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata | |
| Class: Mammalia | |
| Infraclass: Marsupialia | |
| Order: Diprotodontia | |
| Family: Phalangeridae | |
| Genus: Spilocuscus | |
| Species: Spilocuscus maculatus | |
| Physical Characteristics | Common Spotted Cuscus is a marsupial with a unique appearance. They have a distinctive spotted coat, often with a mix of white, black, and brown fur. Their prehensile tail assists in climbing and is hairless towards the tip. |
| Size | These cuscus are medium-sized, with adults typically measuring around 40 to 50 centimeters (16 to 20 inches) in length, excluding their tail. The tail can add another 35 to 40 centimeters (14 to 16 inches) to their overall length. |
| Habitat and Range | Common Spotted Cuscus are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and coastal areas in northern Australia and New Guinea. They are arboreal and spend most of their time in trees. |
| Behavior and Lifestyle | These marsupials are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. They are skilled climbers and use their prehensile tails to navigate through trees. They are herbivores, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. |
| Reproduction and Life Cycles | Like other marsupials, female cuscus has a pouch where they carry and nurse their young. After a relatively short gestation period, the female gives birth to an underdeveloped young, which continues to develop and nurse in her pouch. |
| Conservation Status and Threats | The Common Spotted Cuscus is not considered globally threatened. However, habitat loss due to deforestation and other human activities can impact their populations in some areas. Conservation efforts aim to protect their natural habitats. |
Common Spotted Cuscus are intriguing marsupials with their striking appearance and arboreal lifestyle. They play a role in their ecosystems by helping to disperse the seeds of the fruits they consume. These creatures are an important part of the biodiversity of the regions they inhabit.
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