Current knowledge of the behavioural ecology of Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi)*

Behavioural ecology increasingly contributes to effective species conservation. It provides a better understanding of habitat requirements and landscape use of a species. In this review the current knowledge of the behavioural ecology of the Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) is summarised. It describes how the species utilises a structurally diverse environment such as rainforest with respect to its climbing abilities and the consumption of partly toxic rainforest foliage. It presents the latest findings on the use of non-rainforest habitats by this species, how it copes with highly fragmented landscapes within its distribution and the evolutionary bases of its antipredatory behaviours. Available information on home ranges of D. lumholtzi in various habitats is compiled and supplemented by our sparse knowledge of conspecific interactions of this species. The review shows how limited our current knowledge on the behavioural ecology of this species is, and how this knowledge should be integrated into conservation efforts for this species, and aims at encouraging more research in this field.