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PanduanHewanKENALI · PEDULI · LINDUNGI
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PANDUANHEWAN · INDONESIA

Northern Common Cuscus

Northern Common Cuscus (Phalanger orientalis). The northern common cuscus is a New Guinean-region marsupial; some island populations may reflect human movement.

PanduanHewan·Updated 23 September 2026·Phalanger orientalis
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.
Photograph of Northern Common Cuscus (Phalanger orientalis).
no rights reserved · CC0 1.0 · Photograph cropped for layout.

What is the Northern Common Cuscus?

Northern Common Cuscus refers to Phalanger orientalis, in the genus Phalanger, family Phalangeridae, and order Diprotodontia. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Northern Common Cuscus?

The northern common cuscus is a New Guinean-region marsupial; some island populations may reflect human movement.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗

Habitat and field observations of the Northern Common Cuscus

Northern common cuscuses use several forest types and old gardens around New Guinea. Diet studies remain limited, but leaves, fruit and bark are recorded.

Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Northern Common Cuscus?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 92 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Papua Barat, Maluku, Papua. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Northern Common Cuscus?

Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Northern Common Cuscus with Waigeo Spotted Cuscus, Whitish Dwarf Squirrel, Javan Surili. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Explore related habitats

These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.

Tropical Rainforests →

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
  4. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  5. Species account — background reading ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.