Tree kangaroos are kangaroos that have returned to life in the trees. They live in the rainforests of New Guinea and northern Queensland and are among the least-known marsupials.
Interesting facts
- Unlike ground kangaroos, tree kangaroos can move their hind legs independently, so they can walk along branches.
- They climb by gripping trunks with their front paws and pushing with their hind legs.
- They descend trees backwards.
- Their long tails help them balance but are not prehensile.
- Papua New Guinea’s first conservation area, YUS, was created to protect Matschie’s tree kangaroo.
- Two species live in Australia: Lumholtz’s and Bennett’s tree kangaroos.
Behaviour
Tree kangaroos are mostly solitary and spend much of the day resting in the canopy. They feed at dawn, dusk and night.
Breeding and young
Females give birth to a single joey, which spends about 10 months in the pouch and stays with its mother for up to two years.
Threats and conservation
Hunting, logging, forest clearing and, in Australia, road deaths and dog attacks.
Where to see it
- Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, for Lumholtz’s tree kangaroo
- Malanda and Yungaburra, Queensland
- YUS Conservation Area, Papua New Guinea
- Zoos with breeding programmes
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
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