Pseudochirulus forbesi (Thomas, 1887)

Russell A. Mittermeier & Don E. Wilson, 2015, Pseudocheiridae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 498-530 : 524

8.

Painted Ring-tailed Possum

Pseudochirulus forbesi

French: Possum peint / German: Forbes-Ringbeutler / Spanish: Falangero de cola anillada pintado

Other common names: Painted Ringtail, Moss-forest Ringtail

Taxonomy. Pseudochirus forbesi Thomas, 1887 ,

“ Sogere [= Sogeri], Astrolabe Mountains , South-east New Guinea [= Papua New Guinea, Central Province], 2000 feet altitude.”

This species previously included P. larvatus but this taxon is currently recognized a distinct species. Monotypic.

Distribution. SE New Guinea.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 19-34 cm, tail 20-31 cm; weight 450-835 g. The Painted Ring-tailed Possum can be distinguished from the Lowland Ring-tailed Possum (PF. canescens ) by lack of a dark ear-patch and in most populations, by a distinct, unusual facial pattern.

Habitat. Regrowth or primary forest at elevations of 500-2800 m. Painted Ring-tailed Possums can survive in small isolated patches of forest above 500 m elevation, and typically above 1300 m.

Food and Feeding. Painted Ring-tailed Possums appear to be mostly folivorous and eat leaves of at least 75 tree species. Stomach contents have revealed leaves of Medinilla sp. (Melastomataceae) Leaves were consumed from a variety of families, including species of Aquifoliaceae , Burseraceae , Clusiaceae , Elaeocarpaceae , Ericaceae , Erythroxylaceae , Euphorbiaceae , Gnetaceae , Lauraceae , Loganiaceae , Meliaceae , Monimiaceae , Moraceae , Myristicaceae , Myrsinaceae , Myrtaceae , Pandanaceae , Podocarpaceae , Proteaceae , Rubiaceae , Rutaceae , Sapindaceae , Sapotaceae , and Theaceae . Despite eating leaves from so many tree families, Painted Ring-tailed Possums have been found to be highly selective in their diet at the species level. The most commonly eaten species are consumed at higher frequencies than occur within the forest. Bark from a variety of trees is also eaten including from Garcinia sp. (Clusiaceae) Pullea sp. (Cunoniaceae) , Elaeocarpus sp. and Sloanea sp. (both Elaeocarpaceae ), Erythroxylum sp. (Erythroxylaceae) , Fuodia sp. ( Rutaceae ), Syzygium sp. (Myrtaceae) , and five other unidentified species of the myrtle family.

Breeding. The Painted Ring-tailed Possumstypically has a single young, although twins may also occur. Limited data suggest it is fecund and can breed throughout the year.

Activity patterns. Painted Ring-tailed Possums are generally nocturnal, although some activity has been recorded during the day. During the day, they rest in dreys (nests) that they build in low trees and tree hollows. They are typically thought to be silent, but there are reports of them making loud calls. Painted Ring-tailed Possums have been observed emerging from their nests between 18:59 h and 20:05 h; activity peaks at 20:00 h and dips at 23:30 h. At 03:00 h, males become increasingly more active than females. Female activity drops continuously from 03:30 h to 06:30 h. Males appeared to have fewer but longer feeding bouts; females were more likely than males to feed in short bouts that did not exceed five minutes. Male possums returned to their nest, on average, 79 minutes later than females, with larger males returning later than smaller individuals.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Threats to the Painted Ring-tailed Possum are unknown, but it is presumably hunted.

Bibliography. Flannery (1994a, 1995a), Groves (2005b), Helgen, Dickman & Salas (2008a), Hume et al. (1984), Musser & Sommer(1992), Stephens (2005), Stephens et al. (2006).

Figures

1. Lemuroid Ring-tailed Possum (Hemabelideus lemuroides), 2. Central Greater Glider (Petauroides armillatus), 3. Northern Greater Glider (Petauroides minor), 4. Southern Greater Glider (Petawroides volans), 5. Lowland Ring-tailed Possum (Pseudochirulus canescens), 6. Weyland Ring-tailed Possum (Pseudochirulus carols), 7. Daintree River Ring-tailed Possum (Pseudochirulus cinereus), 8. Painted Ring-tailed Possum (Pseudochirulus forbesi), 9. Herbert River Ring-tailed Possum (Pseudochirulus herbertensis), 10. Masked Ring-tailed Possum (Pseudochirulus larvatus), 11. Pygmy Ring-tailed Possum (Pseudochirulus mayer), 12. Arfak Ring-tailed Possum (Pseudochirulus schlegeli)

Distribution. SE New Guinea.