Currently, there are ten known species of tree kangaroos. However, it is argued that there may be four more species. The population numbers vary from each type of tree kangaroo, with some critically endangered wth only 100 left in the wild and others that are of least concern.
The known species are:
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Matschie's tree kangaroo
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Lumholtz's tree kangaroo
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Bennett's tree kangaroo
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Doria's tree kangaroo
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Goodfellow's tree kangaroo
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Scott's tree kangaroo
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Grizzled tree kangaroo
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Black tree kangaroo
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Lowland tree kangaroo
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Bondegezou/Dingiso tree kangaroo
Size of the Tree Kangaroo
Why Are Tree Kangaroos Endangered?
While living in treetops may protect tree kangaroos from predators on the ground, this also makes them very vulnerable to the effects of deforestation.
Tree Kangaroos are mostly endangered as a result of our actions. Loss of habitat in the form of logging, clearing for agriculture, mining and deforestation for the extraction of oil are the prime reasons for the decrease in their population.
However, other causes for their deaths are road kills and hunting. Work is being done to stop the amount of road kills and tree kangaroo deaths from dogs.
Population Numbers
No recent population estimates have been made for many of the species of tree kangaroos. As previously stated, the population numbers range from few to many. The latest population counts of particular species is as follows:
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Matschie's- <2500 adults remain as of 2008
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Goodfellow's- on a population decline of 50% over the past 3 generations as of 2008
