# 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.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/phalanger-orientalis/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/phalanger-orientalis/
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**Review status:** This 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.

## Quick answer

The Northern Common Cuscus (*Phalanger orientalis*) is a mammal in the family Phalangeridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Papua, Maluku, Papua. Diet: leaves, fruit, seeds and flowers; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Phalanger orientalis* |
| Indonesian name | Kuskus Coklat |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Phalangeridae |
| Observation records | West Papua, Maluku, Papua |
| Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) |
| Taxonomic group | Diprotodontia |
| GBIF records | 92 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2440259) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — leaves, fruit, seeds and flowers · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Phalanger_orientalis/) |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Phalanger_orientalis/) |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/MamFuncDat.txt) |

## 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](https://www.gbif.org/species/2440259)

## 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalanger%20orientalis)

## 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2440259/descriptions)

## 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2440259&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include West Papua, 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2440259&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## 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.

## Scientific classification of the Northern Common Cuscus

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Diprotodontia |
| Family | Phalangeridae |
| Genus | *Phalanger* |
| Species | *Phalanger orientalis* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Northern Common Cuscus

### What is the scientific name of the Northern Common Cuscus?

The scientific name of the Northern Common Cuscus is *Phalanger orientalis*, in the family Phalangeridae and the order Diprotodontia. In Indonesian it is called Kuskus Coklat.

### What kind of animal is the Northern Common Cuscus?

The Northern Common Cuscus is a mammal in the family Phalangeridae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a leaves, fruit, seeds and flowers.

### Where does the Northern Common Cuscus live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Northern Common Cuscus summarised in this guide mainly come from West Papua, Maluku, Papua. That list is not a complete range map.

Source-supported habitats: [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/).

### What does the Northern Common Cuscus eat?

The Northern Common Cuscus is a leaves, fruit, seeds and flowers. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Phalanger_orientalis/).

### How does the Northern Common Cuscus reproduce?

The Northern Common Cuscus reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Marsupial: the young are born tiny and undeveloped and continue developing in the mother's pouch. Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Phalanger_orientalis/).

### Is the Northern Common Cuscus nocturnal?

The cited source records the Northern Common Cuscus as nocturnal (active at night). Source: [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/MamFuncDat.txt).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Northern Common Cuscus?

Scientific classification of the Northern Common Cuscus: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Diprotodontia, family Phalangeridae, genus *Phalanger*, species *Phalanger orientalis*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Northern Common Cuscus endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Northern Common Cuscus is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2440259), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Northern Common Cuscus is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2440259)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2440259&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts](https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2440259/descriptions)
4. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/42825)
5. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalanger%20orientalis)
6. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Phalanger_orientalis/)
7. [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/MamFuncDat.txt)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Further reading

[Grey cuscus: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/grey-cuscus/) — World Animal Rescue Network.

_Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network._

## Keep exploring

- [Waigeo Spotted Cuscus](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/spilocuscus-papuensis/)
- [Whitish Dwarf Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/prosciurillus-leucomus/)
- [Javan Surili](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/presbytis-comata/)
- [Sunda Colugo](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/galeopterus-variegatus/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Northern Common Cuscus. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/phalanger-orientalis/