Ground cuscus

Phalanger gymnotis

Otis ground cuscus eating courgette held in one paw with mouth open looking at camera Image: HOLLIE WATSON 2022

Status

NE DD LC NT VU EN CR EW EX

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

Otis, our ground cuscus, can be found in his enclosure near the Mansion House and Budongo Trail.

Population

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Decreasing

Diet

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Omnivore

Habitat

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Rainforest

Fact file

  • There are 26 species of cuscus

  • Ground cuscus differ from other species of cuscus as they spend a lot of time living in burrows and appear as comfortable at ground level as they do in the trees

  • Cuscus are solitary animals, preferring to spend most of their time eating and living alone

  • They have vertical pupils, and the colour of their eyes can be blue, red, or orange

Ground cuscus Otis close up with food in mouth held in hands

How we're helping

Like all the animals in our care Otis is an amazing ambassador for their relatives in the wild and helps hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health, to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation