barkoodidel

Barkoodidel is a genus of small, nocturnal arboreal mammals described from the Barkwood rainforest. The name combines a reference to tree bark camouflage with a didelid-like suffix used in the region’s taxonomy, reflecting its bark-like fur and tree-dwelling habits.

Adults measure about 12 to 16 centimeters in body length, with a tail of 14 to 22 centimeters and a mass of roughly 80 to 180 grams. The fur is coarse and brown with irregular darker patches that resemble bark, providing camouflage among tree trunks and fallen bark. The limbs carry sharp claws adapted for climbing, and the tail is prehensile, aiding maneuverability in the canopy.

Barkoodidel is endemic to the Barkwood Basin, a tropical forest region where it inhabits primary and selectively logged forests. It favors mid- to upper-canopy zones and often roosts in tree hollows or dense foliage, avoiding open ground.

Behaviorally, barkoodidel is primarily nocturnal and tends to be solitary or found in small pair-based units. It forages on branches and occasionally on the forest floor, adopting a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, and nectar. Its bark-like camouflage and quiet approach help it evade predators such as owls and snakes.

Reproduction is thought to be seasonal, with a typical litter size of one to two offspring. Gestation is estimated around 40 days, and young are carried or sheltered in the nest until they are mobile.

Conservation concerns center on habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and logging. The species has not been widely assessed in international conservation catalogs, and further field studies are needed to determine its population status and ecological needs.