A new species of Phalanger (Phalangeridae: Marsupialia) from montane western Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Phalanger matanim n.sp. is a plesiomorphic species of Phalanger, thus far known from only three specimens taken in the Telefomin area at altitudes between 1,550 and 2,600 m. Retention of a well-developed preparacrista on M2/, the presence of small simple molars, and having the periotic visible on the external basicranium in P. matanim are plesiomorphic features not otherwise seen in combination in the genus Phalanger. Although convergent with the other montane Phalanger species (P. vestitus, P. carmelitae and P. interpositus) in several external morphological features, P. matanim does not appear to be closely related to this group. At the upper limit of its altitudinal range, Phalanger matanim is sympatric with P. vestitus and S. leucippus, and at the lower end with these species and also P. interpositus and P. carmelitae.