Bear cuscus

Abstract: DNA-hybridisation experiments, involving seven species of Phalangeridae and two outgroup taxa in a complete 9 x 9 matrix, unequivocally placed the bear cuscus, Ailurops ursinus, nearest to the Phalangerini (Phalanger and Spilocuscus), with Trichosurini (Trichosurus) sister to both; and confirmed earlier molecular studies indicating that the ground cuscus, Strigocuscus gymnotis, is not a trichosurin but is closest to Phalanger. Our results thus conflict with the most thorough cladistic-anatomical study of phalangerids, which placed the bear cuscus outside all other Phalangeridae as the sole living member of Subfamily Ailuropinae; instead, we suggest that Ailurops should be considered representative of a tribe of Phalangerinae, Ailuropini, while Trichosurus (and presumably Wyulda, which was not examined here, as well as fossil Strigocuscus) would be removed from Phalangerinae and be considered a second subfamily of Phalangeridae, Trichosurinae, limited to Australia. Our estimate of the time of divergence of Ailurops and other phalangerines is about 16 myrbp; of Trichosurinae and Phalangerinae, about 21 myrbp. Thus, a single Early Miocene vicariant event between Australia and Papua New Guinea, which isolated phalangerines in the latter region, followed by dispersal of the included ailuropins to (or vicariant separation on) Sulawesi, would be sufficient to account for family-level cladogenesis in Phalangeridae.

Abstract: We highlight hitherto unreported populations of two globally threatened phalangerid species on south-east Sulawesi’s offshore islands – bear cuscus (Ailurops ursinus) and small Sulawesi cuscus (Strigocuscus celebensis) – and observations of a third range-restricted species – Peleng cuscus (Strigocuscus pelengensis). Our data are based on records made during 11 years of seasonal surveys on Buton, and short-term expeditions to Kabaena and Manui. Our observations of S. celebensis on Buton, where it occurs in three protected areas, represent an important range extension for this species, as do our observations of A. ursinus on Kabaena, where it is also widespread. We also report the unexpected presence of S. pelengensis on Manui. Buton, in particular, appears to be an important stronghold for both A. ursinus and S. celebensis, given that forest ecosystems here remain extensive and relatively intact. Both these species may also display a previously unreported adaptability to disturbed forest and even some non-forest habitats within our study area. Hunting pressures, a proven threat to these species in northern Sulawesi, may also be lesser here.

Abstract: DENSITY POPULATION ESTIMATION OF BEAR CUSCUS (Ailurops ursinus) In TANGKOKO BATUANGUS NATURE RESERVE BITUNG CITY. The purpose of this study to determine the number of Bear cuscus density estimation ( A.ursinus ) in Tangkoko Nature Reserve in wildlife conservation programe. This study conducted in Tangkoko Nature Reserve Batuangus for 3 months from 1 st August through 31 st October 2015. The variable of this study are about: density population, estimation of density population, and vegetation, by using observation methods and Line Transect Animal Sampling Technique (NRC, 1981). This study use four transects, that consist of : A = 1736m, B = 1724m, C = 1620m, D = 1620m and the spread of observation area in each lines is about 100m. The results showed, there has been increase the density population of Bear cuscus in Tangkoko about 213.85% compared with the results of previous studies which totaled 53.13/km2 became 166.75/km2. Bear cuscus population estimation ( A. ursinus ) in Tangkoko Nature Reserve is increased to 213.85% or forecasts twice a few years earlier. Increasing population density Bear cuscus in Tangkoko Nature Reserve is because the carrying capacity of the habitat has improved and stabel and because of the socialization of management konservation (habitat, wild animal/fauna endemik) has been done in some likes research, training, dissemination to the public and the outreach community by WCS, field courses, WWF, Macacanigra Project, etc. and Local organizations in the field of conservation (nature lovers, your community, etc .). Keywords : Density, Population, Bear Cuscus (A. ursinus)