Sulawesi Bear Cuscus

Sulawesi Bear Cuscus: A Rare and Mysterious Marsupial of Indonesia

The Sulawesi Bear Cuscus (Ailurops ursinus) is a unique and little-known marsupial endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. As a member of the Phalangeridae family, it is part of the possum group, although its appearance and behavior are quite distinct. Named for its thick fur and somewhat bear-like appearance, the Sulawesi Bear Cuscus is an important species in the region's tropical forest ecosystem.

Sulawesi Bear Cuscus

Physical Characteristics

The Sulawesi Bear Cuscus has a robust body covered in thick, dark brown or greyish fur that helps protect it from the humid, wet environment of the rainforest. Adults typically weigh between 5 and 7 kilograms and have strong limbs with sharp claws adapted for climbing. Its prehensile tail acts as a fifth limb, giving it excellent balance and grip as it moves among the trees.
Despite being called a "bear" cuscus, it is not related to bears. The name comes from its sturdy build and slow, deliberate movements which are reminiscent of a bear.
Habitat and Range
This marsupial is found in the lowland and montane rainforests of Sulawesi and some nearby smaller islands such as Buton and Muna. It is strictly arboreal, meaning it lives almost exclusively in trees. The dense canopy of the tropical rainforest provides food, shelter, and protection from predators.
Behavior and Diet
The Sulawesi Bear Cuscus is a diurnal and folivorous animal, meaning it is active during the day and primarily feeds on leaves, though it may also eat fruits and flowers. It spends most of its time foraging slowly among the branches.
Known for being solitary and shy, this species is not often seen by humans. When threatened, it can emit a strong musky odor as a defense mechanism.

Sulawesi Bear Cuscus

Reproduction
Very little is known about the reproductive habits of the Sulawesi Bear Cuscus due to its elusive nature. Like other marsupials, females possess a pouch where the young continue to develop after birth. Usually, only one offspring is born at a time.
Conservation Status
The Sulawesi Bear Cuscus is currently listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Major threats to its survival include:
Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and mining.
Hunting and poaching, sometimes for the pet trade or traditional medicine.
Habitat fragmentation, which limits its range and reduces genetic diversity.
Conservation efforts are needed to protect the remaining forest habitats and educate local communities about the ecological role of this species.
Ecological Importance
As a folivore, the Sulawesi Bear Cuscus plays a role in regulating plant growth and dispersing seeds. It is part of the intricate food web of Sulawesi’s unique biodiversity, which includes other endemic species like the anoa, babirusa, and maleo bird.
Final Thoughts
The Sulawesi Bear Cuscus is a symbol of Sulawesi’s extraordinary and often overlooked biodiversity. As development and deforestation continue to threaten its habitat, increased research, conservation initiatives, and ecotourism awareness are essential to ensure this rare marsupial remains part of Indonesia’s natural heritage.

Also read:

• Wildlife Watching and Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Tangkoko, Mount Mahawu and Sonder's Farm Forest
• Birds of Sulawesi

Birds of Sulawesi

Sulawesi is a unique island. It is located in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago in the transitional region from the continent of Asia to the continent of Australia. This zone is often called Wallace region. There are 169 species of birds that are endemic to Sulawesi and its satellite islands. It is 31 percent of Indonesia's endemic birds. 

The endemism of birds and other wildlife is very high compared to other islands in Indonesia. I personally have accompanied tourists to a a number of birding sites across Sulawesi.

Birdwatching in Sulawesi

Some Birds from Sulawesi

In South Sulawesi, birding sites that are good for birdwatchers include Karaenta, Ramang-ramang, and Malino highland. There, I saw Black-ringed White-eye, White-necked Myna, Black-headed Kingfisher, Sulawesi Pygmy Hornbill and Red-backed Thrush, and etc.

More tropical birds could be watched if we go birdwatching in higher elevation forest of Sulawesi such as the Minahasa highland. Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher, Sulawesi Myzomela, Sulawesi Bush Warbler, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker, Citrine Canary Flycatcher, Superb Fruit-dove, Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove (a subspecies of Sultan's Cuckoo-dove), Black-crowned White-eye, Warbling White-eye, Turquoise Flycatcher, Sulawesi Pygmy Hanging Parrot, Turquoise Flycatcher, Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker are some of the many birds that we could watch. 

Ashy Woodpecker in North Sulawesi

For North Sulawesi, more birding sites could be explored including Mount Mahawu, Sonder's farm forest, Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Ambang, Maleo Sanctuary in Tambun and Dumoga Bone National Park. 

A lot of kingfishers could be found in Tangkoko. They are Great-billed Kingfisher, Lilac Kingfisher, Ruddy Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher. Other birds such as Knobbed Hornbill, Sulawesi Myna, Finch-billed Myna, and Ashy Woodpecker could be seen there. 

Sulawesi Hanging Parrot in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Sulawesi Cuckoo-dove in Sonder of Minahasa Highland

The mountainous region of Minahasa from Tomohon to Sonder is the habitat of various species of birds such as Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-naped Oriole, Sultan's Cuckoo Dove, Pale Blue Monarch, Yellow-sided Flowerpecker, Scaly-breasted Kingfisher, Gray-sided Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird, Black-crowned White-eye, Mountain White-eye, Sahul Sunbird, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Slender-billed Crow, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher. In general, visitors need to spend at least 2 weeks to explore the birding sites of this island and see birds of Sulawesi. 

Lore Lindu National Park in Central Sulawesi is a famous destination for visitors who want to see Hylocitrea, Dark-eared Myza, White-eared Myza, Yellow-cheeked Lorikeet, Geomalia, Purple-bearded Bee-eater, Diabolic Nightjar, and etc. The birding sites are located along the Anaso Track and Lake Tambing. 

Ducula aenea at the outskirts of Manado city

Black-naped Oriole in Subdistrict Sonder of Minahasa Highland

Flying Routes to Manado

The entry point for taking birdwatching tour in Sulawesi can be Manado city first. There are regular daily flights between Manado city and major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, Balikpapan and Sorong city. They are served by domestic airlines such as Garuda, Citylink, Lion Air and Batik Air. There is also direct international flight from Singapore to Manado city served by Scoot Air. 

Flying to Manado

Booking

If you are interested in traveling to Indonesia to watch birds and wildlife in North Sulawesi, and want me to organize your trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. 

Also read:

• Guided Birding walk in Manado city
• Birding and Photography Tour in North Sulawesi
• Birds in Minahasa
• Birding and Wildlife Watching in Sulawesi
• Birdwatching and Photography Trip in Sonder of Minahasa
• Hiking and Birdwatching in Minahasa
• Zebra Dove in the Farm Forest of Sonder Town
• Birdwatching and Photographic Guide in North Sulawesi
• Birding in Sulawesi
• Watching Black-naped Oriole in Sonder Town of Minahasa
• Discovering the Black-naped Oriole: A Tropical Jewel of the Canopy
• Wildlife Watching and Photography Tour in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland
• Birding in Tangkoko, Mount Mahawu and Sonder's Farm Forest

Butterfly Watching in Minahasa Highland

I have just explored the highland of Minahasa especially the forest and flower garden areas in Sonder town to see its wildlife. I saw a lot of interesting animals including butterflies. I took pictures of some of them. 

A big butterfly that I saw in the Sonder forest of Minahasa was Blanchard's Ghost Butterfly (Idea blanchardii). It was a big butterfly whose wingspan was around 12 to 14 centimeters. According to Wikipedia, the butterfly was named Idea blandchardii, after a French zoologist and entomologist, Charles Émile Blanchard (1819-1900). 

Blanchard's Ghost Butterfly in the Highland of Minahasa

One that attracts my attention was a big butterfly whose wings were larger than other butterflies. The main colors of the butterfly were black and bright yellow. Later, when I did searches on the internets for identifying the butterfly, I found that its name was Troides helena. The wingspan of this Helena Birdwing Butterfly was around 12 centimeters. It was difficult for me to take pictures of the butterfly because it hopped from one flower to another when taking their nectar. 

In Greek mythology, Helena or Helen was the daughter of Zeus (the god of sky and thunder). She was said to have been the most beautiful woman in the world. 

Helena Birdwing Butterfly

Another butterfly whose colour patterns on the wings are unique was Clipper Butterfly (Parthenos sylvia salentia). It could easily be found among the flowers of trees and shrub plants in the mornings when I did walking tours. 

Sulawesi Clipper Butterfly

The Clipper

Sulawesi Leafwing Butterfly

There was also Sulawesi Leafwing Butterfly (Doleschallia polibete celebensis), Manado Yellow Tiger Butterfly (Parantica menadensis). The butterfly could easily be seen hanging on flowers of tall grass along the roadside of Minahasa highland. This butterfly was not shy when I took picture of it.

Manado Yellow Tiger Butterfly

The next photographs below are the Blanchard's Wood Nymp butterfly (Ideopsis vitrea), the Neptis ida celebensis, Lime Swallowtail (Papilio demoleos), Sacred Tabby (Pseudergolis avesta) and Gigon Swallowtail (Papilio gigon). 

Blanchard's Wood Nymph

Neptis ida

Lime Swallowtail (Papilio demoleus)

Sacred Tabby

Gigon Swallowtail

Where is Sonder and how to get there?

Sonder is a small town in Minahasa regency of North Sulawesi Province in the Republic of Indonesia. It can easily be reached by car or motorcycle from Manado city which is the capital of Indonesia. To visit Sonder town, see the following flight routes:

• International visitors need to fly from their countries to Singapore. After that, take a direct flight by Scoot Air to Manado city.
• International visitors can also fly to Jakarta, Surabaya or Denpasar and then continue their trip by domestic airlines such as Batik Air, Citilink, and Lion Air to Manado city.
• There is also direct flight between Manado city and Sorong city.

Traveling to Manado city

When you arrive in Manado city, I could meet you at the airport and then organize your trip to Sonder town. 

There are a lot of other butterflies that we can see in Minahasa if we explore its rainforest and farmland areas. If you are interested in traveling to Indonesia and want me to organize your tour, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by whatsapp to: +6281332245180 or by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com. 

Also read:

• Birding in North Sulawesi
• Birding Walk in Sonder Town of North Sulawesi
• Flower Tour in Minahasa Highland

BIRDS IN MINAHASA

I like to travel around the lowland forest and highland of Minahasa. I visit Tomohon, Tondano, Sonder, Kawangkoan, and Langowan, the outskirts of Manado city, Tangkoko Nature Reserve to explore their surrounding rainforests. I sometimes guide visitors to this region. During my exploratory birding trips in this part of North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia, I see a lot of species of birds. Some of them are listed below:

Yellow-billed Malkoha, Knobbed Hornbill, Papuan Dwarf Kingfisher, Black-faced Munia, Red-backed Thrush

• Warbling White-eye (Zosterops japonicus) - This bird could be found in Mount Mahawu near Tomohon or in higher montane forest of District Sonder of Minahasa regency. 

Warbling White-eye (Zosterops japonicus) in District Sonder of Minahasa regency

• Black-crowned White-eye (Zosterops atrifrons)
• Sulawesi Drongo
• Hair-crested Drongo (White-eyed)
• Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
• Collared Kingfisher
• Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher
• Green-backed Kingfisher
• Ruddy Kingfisher
• Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher
• Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) - I saw this bird at the edge of higher montane forest is in the east of District town of Sonder. The bird was sitting on a top branch of a tree when I was walking and looking at the branches of the surrounding trees to photograph birds. 

Crimson Sunbird in Sonder of Minahasa highland

• Olive-backed Sunbird
• Brown-throated Sunbird
• Black Sunbird
• Knobbed Hornbill
• Sulawesi Hornbill
• Grey-sided Flowerpecker
• Yellow-sided Flowerpecker
• Sooty-headed Bulbul
• Slender-billed Crow
• Chestnut Munia
• Scaly-breasted Munia
• Black-faced Munia
• Grey-cheeked Green Pigeon
• Green Imperial Pigeon

Green Imperial Pigeon

• Black-naped Fruit Dove
• White-faced Cuckoo Dove
• Sulawesi Cuckoo Dove
• Brush Cuckoo
• Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis omissus) - This small bird is an endemic species of Sulawesi island. I saw it early in the morning in higher elevation forest of District Sonder. It was sitting on a twig of a shrub plant. 
• Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata). In Indonesia, this bird is called Burung Perkutut. It can easily adapt to live in small villages and towns that are surrounded by agricultural lands that provides food for the bird population. 

Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) at the outskirts of District Sonder in Minahasa regency of Indonesia

• Speckled Boobook
• Sulawesi Scops Owl
• Little Egret
• Cattle Egret
• Barred Rail
• White-browed Crake
• Cinnamon Bittern
• Purple Heron
• Sulawesi Hanging Parrot
• Purple-winged Roller

Purple-winged Roller

• Ashy Woodpecker
• Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker
• White-browed Crake
• White-breasted Woodswallow
• and a lot more.

Birds in Minahasa Regency

To watch birds, I bring my SVBONY 10×50 binoculars, spotting scope, and to take pictures, I bring my old Fujifilm HS50EXR which I bought from an online electronic store in Indonesia.

I often have the opportunity to speak with local farmers who make palm sugar, plant vegetables, and with ones who own fish, and pig farms. 

Minahasa highland is an interesting destination for visitors who want to see agricultural areas, historical and cultural attractions of local people.

For birding tour that I offer in North Sulawesi, I can include some additional trips to the volcanic crater of Mount Mahawu or to Lake Tondano. I can organize scenic and cultural trips to places where local farmers in North Sulawesi traditionally make palm sugar, farm tools, and earthenware.

Visitors who are interested in taking the tour could come as a solo traveler or as a group of 2, 4 and up to 8 participants to share the cost of traveling. For further info about the trip, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp to: +6281332245180.

Also read: 

• Guided Birding Walk in Manado city
• Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
• Birds of Sulawesi
• Wildlife Watching and Photography Trip in Minahasa
• Birding in North Sulawesi
• Birding in Tounelet Forest of Sonder