Composition of browses consumed by Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) sampled from home ranges Papua New Guinea

Citation

Dierenfeld ES, Okena D, Paul O, and Dabek L. 2019. Composition of browses consumed by Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) sampled from home ranges Papua New Guinea. In Brooks M, Freel T, Koutsos E Eds. Proceedings of the Thirteenth Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition Foundation and AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Saint Louis, MO.

Abstract

Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei), native to Papua New Guinea (PNG), is an endangered browsing species managed in 25 North American zoos. Excess body condition may contribute to poor reproduction observed in these zoo populations; zoo – housed individuals can weigh up to 50% more than healthy free-range individuals (Blessington & Steenberg, 2007; Travis et al., 2012). Variable diets fed in zoos are readily digestible, comprising high sugar and starch ingredients, along with a low fiber content and few browses offered (Carlyle-Askew & DeBo, 2018). The current study was undertaken to provide comparative data for more detailed evaluation of captive diets, animal health and welfare assessments.

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