Common Bear Cuscus

The Sulawesi bear cuscus, also known as the Sulawesi bear phalanger (Ailurops ursinus), is a species of arboreal marsupial in the family Phalangeridae that is endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands in Indonesia. It lives in tropical moist lowland forest at elevations up to 600 m (2,000 ft) and is diurnal, folivorous and often found in pairs. A. ursinus is threatened by hunting, collection for the pet trade and deforestation. One specimen was observed adopting a raised posture while making short, harsh chattering and clicking sounds. == Diet == Bear cuscuses can feed on the young leaves of up to 31 different species of plants varying from trees, lianas, and mistletoes. Feeding only amounts to about 5% of their daily activity, compared to about 63% spent on resting. == Vulnerability == The lack of legal protection for bear cuscuses, combined with habitat loss and poaching for consumption and illegal trade has caused the species to suffer a decline. Despite its status and declining population trend, the bear cuscus is not protected by Indonesian law or listed in the CITES appendices, even though it is commonly traded in Sulawesi and abroad. It was previously protected by Indonesian law from 1999 to…