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PanduanHewanKENALI · PEDULI · LINDUNGI
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PANDUANHEWAN · INDONESIA

Waigeo Spotted Cuscus

Waigeo Spotted Cuscus (Spilocuscus papuensis). The Waigeo spotted cuscus is a marsupial native to Waigeo Island; outlying records need scrutiny before being treated as natural range.

PanduanHewan·Updated 23 September 2026·Spilocuscus papuensis
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 Waigeo Spotted Cuscus (Spilocuscus papuensis).
(c) Micha Baum, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photograph cropped for layout.

What is the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus?

Waigeo Spotted Cuscus refers to Spilocuscus papuensis, in the genus Spilocuscus, 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 Waigeo Spotted Cuscus?

The Waigeo spotted cuscus is a marsupial native to Waigeo Island; outlying records need scrutiny before being treated as natural range.

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 Waigeo Spotted Cuscus

Waigeo spotted cuscuses are reported from primary and secondary moist tropical forest. Published species-level feeding details remain sparse and should not be borrowed from other cuscuses.

Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 169 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. 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 Waigeo Spotted 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 Waigeo Spotted Cuscus with Northern Common Cuscus, Horsfield's Treeshrew, Wild Boar. 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.