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IUCN status: VulnerableWaigeo Spotted Cuscus at a glance
The Waigeo Spotted Cuscus (Spilocuscus papuensis) is a mammal in the family Phalangeridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Papua. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Waigeo and Gam islands, Raja Ampat (Southwest Papua); possibly also Batanta. IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Spilocuscus papuensis |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kuskus Waigeo |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Phalangeridae |
| Observation records | West Papua |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests |
| Taxonomic group | Diprotodontia |
| GBIF records | 169 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 99 |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Waigeo and Gam islands, Raja Ampat (Southwest Papua); possibly also Batanta · Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo) |
In this guide (13)
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.
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 West 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 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.
Scientific classification of the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Diprotodontia |
| Family | Phalangeridae |
| Genus | Spilocuscus |
| Species | Spilocuscus papuensis |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus
What is the scientific name of the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus?
The scientific name of the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus is Spilocuscus papuensis, in the family Phalangeridae and the order Diprotodontia. In Indonesian it is called Kuskus Waigeo.
What kind of animal is the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus?
The Waigeo Spotted Cuscus is a mammal in the family Phalangeridae. It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus summarised in this guide mainly come from West Papua. That list is not a complete range map.
The Waigeo Spotted Cuscus is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Waigeo and Gam islands, Raja Ampat (Southwest Papua); possibly also Batanta. Source: Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo).
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests.
How does the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus reproduce?
The Waigeo Spotted 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.
Is the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus nocturnal?
The cited source records the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus as nocturnal (active at night). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus?
Scientific classification of the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Diprotodontia, family Phalangeridae, genus Spilocuscus, species Spilocuscus papuensis.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus endangered?
Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus is listed as Vulnerable: it is considered to face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus protected in Indonesia?
Is the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Waigeo Spotted Cuscus (Spilocuscus papuensis) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 99).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Waigeo Spotted Cuscus is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo) ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Further reading
Spotted cuscus: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Waigeo Spotted Cuscus (Spilocuscus papuensis). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/spilocuscus-papuensis/