D’entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Pogonomys fergussoniensis

D’entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Pogonomys fergussoniensis

IUCN Red List Status: Endangered

Location: Papua New Guinea’s D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago.

The D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys has possibly one of the most unpronounceable names in the world and is also one of the least known rodents in the world. also known as the Fergusson Island tree mouse, is an arboreal rodent endemic to Fergusson Island in Papua New Guinea’s D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago. This small, nocturnal rodent species depends on intact montane forests, making them highly vulnerable to habitat destruction caused by out-of-control palm oil plantations, logging, and agricultural expansion. Urgent conservation action is needed to protect this precious and obscure mouse species from extinction. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Appearance and Behaviour

The D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys is a small, tree-dwelling rodent with soft, dense fur that ranges from brown to reddish-brown, helping them blend into their forest environment. Their underparts are lighter in colour, and their prehensile tail is a critical adaptation for climbing and balancing in the canopy (IUCN, 2016).

Nocturnal and arboreal, these rodents are elusive and rarely observed. They spend their time foraging in the treetops, relying on their agility to navigate their forested habitat (iNaturalist, n.d.; IUCN, 2016).

Diet

This species primarily consumes fruits, seeds, and plant material, relying heavily on the biodiversity of montane forests. Their specialised diet ties them directly to the health of their ecosystem, and habitat degradation poses a significant threat to their food sources (IUCN, 2016; iNaturalist, n.d.).

Reproduction and Mating

There is limited information about the reproduction of the D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys. Like other species in the Pogonomys genus, they are likely to have small litters. Understanding their reproductive patterns is critical for developing effective conservation strategies (IUCN, 2016).

Geographic Range

This species is restricted to Fergusson Island in Papua New Guinea, where they inhabit montane forests between 1,200 and 1,800 metres above sea level. Their extremely limited range makes them particularly vulnerable to habitat loss for palm oil, timber and gold mining (IUCN, 2016).

Threats

Forest clearance is a serious problem for this species. The islands are being converted to grassland (perhaps entirely) through subsistence farming. This species is assessed as Endangered because of their extent of occurrence (EOO) is approximately 4,922 km², all individuals occur in fewer than six locations, there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat through deforestation, and the population size is presumed to be decreasing as a result of habitat loss. The species does appear to be tolerant of some disturbance, but this needs to be confirmed.

IUcN Red LIST

Palm oil and timber logging: Deforestation for out-of-control palm oil plantations, agriculture, and timber logging is destroying their montane forest habitat at an alarming rate (IUCN, 2016).

Climate Change: Rising temperatures could further reduce the availability of suitable montane habitats, forcing these small tree-dwelling rodents into even smaller ranges.

Conservation Neglect: As a lesser-known species, they receive minimal attention in conservation efforts, further jeopardising their survival.

Take Action!

Safeguarding the D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys requires immediate action to preserve their fragile forest habitat. Boycotting products containing palm oil, supporting indigenous-led conservation, and advocating for biodiversity protection are essential steps to ensure their survival. Every effort matters. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan

Further Information

Wright, D & Leary, T. 2016. Pogonomys fergussoniensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T136763A22431006. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T136763A22431006.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

iNaturalist. (n.d.). Pogonomys fergussoniensis. Retrieved from https://uk.inaturalist.org/taxa/74934-Pogonomys-fergussoniensis

Wikipedia. (n.d.). D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27Entrecasteaux_Archipelago_pogonomys

Support the conservation of this species

Tenkile Conservation Alliance

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