Comments on: New Chinese “What-Is-It?”

By: davidk

davidk — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:03:34 +0000

It is a Cuscus. Have handled these guys in captivity (licensed animals). Very sweet, generally slow moving, very waxy feeling fur – but then they’re from Oz/Papau and New Guinea rainforests so they need the waterproofing.

By: arewethereyeti

arewethereyeti — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:48:16 +0000

“Identify this species in comments below, and I’ll post some answers after ten or so entries show up.”
– Loren Coleman.

Well, Loren, out with it. General consensus (9/14) seems to be a Common Spotted Cuscus. So, what exactly is the “What-Is-It?”

By: choppedlow

choppedlow — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:59:33 +0000

Well, what ever it is, I’m sure the locals want to know what it tastes like fried in some sweet and sour sauce! Very cute little critter! I just hope him or his family never end up in an egg roll!

By: Cryptidcrazy

Cryptidcrazy — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 19:40:00 +0000

It is most definitely, a spotted cuscus.

By: arewethereyeti

arewethereyeti — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 17:51:38 +0000

I’d have to throw my hat in the ring with those identifying the “What-is-it” as a juvenile/malnourished(?) Common Spotted Cuscus, “Spilocuscus maculatus.”

Endemic to extreme northeastern Australia, New Guinea and nearby smaller islands, the Common Spotted Cuscus, a marsupial, attains an adult weight of 12 lbs and length of 48″, half of which consists of a prehensile tail. Generally nocturnal they are omnivorous eating: leaves, fruits, flowers, small animals, and occasionally eggs. Their major predators are pythons and larger birds of prey.

By: Averagefoot

Averagefoot — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 17:06:00 +0000

I’ll tell you what it is. Adorable! …..

and a cuscus.

By: CajunRG

CajunRG — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:36:31 +0000

The creature in the photos looks like it is some type of lemur.

By: shadowofadoubt

shadowofadoubt — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:32:09 +0000

Looks marsupial… Kinda looks like Spilocuscus (http://www.visualphotos.com/photo/1×9095112/short-tailed_spotted_cuscus_spilocuscus_maculatus_590126.jpg)

By: manticora

manticora — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:24:25 +0000

It seems to be a juvenile Spotted Cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus or Phalanger maculatus).

Word!!

By: Remobec

Remobec — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:23:33 +0000

That’s tough. Best clue to me is it’s tail, which seems either prehensile or nearly prehensile. A google search didn’t yield anything too convincing.

Best I’ve been able to come up with so far is a spotty baby kinkajou… but not convinced of that. Or perhaps a spotty lemuroid possum.