Microbiotheria - Monito del Monte

There is only one species in this order, the Monito del Monte, or little mountain monkey. The Monito del Monte is a semi-arboreal South American marsupial that scientists believe is more closely related to Australasian marsupials than it is to marsupials in the Americas.

The Monito del Monte is the size of a mouse. It has a prehensile tail; brown fur; short, round ears; and black rings around its eyes. It is nocturnal and eats insects, larvae, and pupae that is finds on tree branches and and in tree bark.

The Monito del Monte breeds once a year. Females build a nest of bamboo and sticks 3-10 feet off the ground. The average litter is 1-4 young. The babies climb into the mother pouch and attach themselves to one of four teats. They stay in the pouch for around two months. The female will continue to feed them for another two or three months.

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

Other Species Around the World
Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North/Central America South America NH Species
Monito del monte - Dromiciops gliroides
Additional Information Key: Profile Photos Video Audio Monito del monte - Dromiciops gliroides The Monito del monte is found in Argentina and Chile. Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Monito del monte - Dromiciops gliroides The Monito del monte communicates with vocalizations. Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School