Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Matschie's tree kangaroo

Scientific name: Dendrolagus matschiei


Matschie's tree kangaroo

IUCN Status: Endangered

Family: DIPROTODONTIDAE

Group: Mammals

Shyness: Very shy

Safe distance: 10 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.01-31.12

Gestation: 44 jours

Births: 01.01-31.12


Habitat:
Humid montane rainforests

Description:
Matschie’s tree kangaroo is a medium-sized marsupial, 60–80 cm long (excluding tail), with reddish-brown fur and a long prehensile tail. Endemic to humid montane rainforests of the Huon Peninsula in Papua New Guinea (1000–3000 m), it spends most of its time in the canopy feeding on fruits, leaves, and insects. Solitary and elusive, it moves nimbly among branches thanks to strong limbs and a long tail.

Recommended lens:
>=300 mm

Photography tips:
Photograph Matschie’s tree kangaroo at dawn or late afternoon using a telephoto lens of ≥300 mm from a concealed hide in the canopy or on a rocky outcrop. Use fast shutter speeds to freeze its agile movements among the branches, a shallow depth of field to isolate its reddish fur against the foliage, and maintain at least 10 m distance to minimize stress.

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