Niramin - Sep 2nd, 2015

Couscous are rare animals of the possum family from the genus marsupials. They live on the tops of trees in tropical forests, so very little information has been collected about their habits and lifestyle. Populations of these animals are common in the forests of New Guinea, Timor, Australia, the Solomon Islands, Sulawesi.

Naturalists count about 15 types of couscous. The largest representative of this species is bear couscous, the weight of some specimens reaches 7 kg. The smallest is the proboscis couscous (honey badger), weighs 13 g and feeds on nectar, pollen from flowers, as well as insects that are on the corolla of the flower.

What does this animal look like? It is an animal with an elongated muzzle, round eyes and small ears, the body is covered with soft hair. A long bare tail helps to move in the dense canopy of trees - with it the animal grabs branches, then clings with its hind legs and, turning over, jumps over considerable distances. The natives of New Guinea eat couscous meat.

These animals feed on fruits and fruits of plants, leaves and insects. It is interesting that the females carry the cubs for about 2 weeks, then the babies make their way into the bag through the wool and feed on mother's milk for 240 days, after which they become completely independent.

Couscous have a playful character, are easily tamed and therefore received a residence permit as pets.

See photos of marsupials of the genus couscous:

bear couscous

Proboscis couscous (honey badger)

Photo: Solid Couscous