Parasitology Aspects of Cuscuses (Phalangeridae)

Abstract

Indonesia is a country with a high biodiversity consisting of various islands with a wide variety of coverage in which a very diverse range of flora, fauna and microbes live. Biogeographically, Indonesia has a strategic position in terms of the wealth and diversity of animals and plants. The Indonesia islands of Sulawesi, Maluku, Halmahera, Flores Islands, and the small islands in Nusa Tenggara are located within a transitional area (Wallace's line). The diversity of wildlife species is still quite high in Indonesia and spread over several types of habitats. These wildlife are a natural resource that can be utilised by human, including for ecological purpose. One of the endemic wild animals that must be protected in both quantity and species is the cuscus. The status of cuscus according to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is almost extinct, and it includes this rare animal in its Appendix II, while IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) put it in the category endangered species (IUCN, 2008). The population and habitat of cuscus in Indonesia continues to decline with the main threat being illegal hunting. According to Ellen (2012), cuscus is decreasing because a lot of it is consumed, traded, and in the Nuaulu tribe on Seram Island, cuscus is still needed for traditional ritual events.