Forest plants selection as feed sources and nesting tree of obi cuscus (Phalanger rothschildi thomas, 1898) in Obi islands, North Maluku

Obi cuscus (Phalanger rothschildi) is an arboreal marsupial and is an endemic animal from Obi Island, Bisa Island, and Obilatu Island part of the Obi Islands, North Maluku province. In Indonesia cuscuses are protected animals. The study with the roaming method are carried out by exploring the location where the obi cuscus is visible, collecting the forest plant as feed sources and nest tree. The potensial information of forest plants as a feed sources and nest tree for cuscus, is needed in strategy of cuscus conservation both in situ and ex situ. The objective of this study was to identify the species of forest plant that serve as feed sources and nesting tree on obi cuscus in North Maluku. The results showed 28 species of forest plants consisting of 21 families was selected by obi cuscus as their feed sources and 11 species of plants as their nesting site. Parts of the plants being consumed was fruit. The results of the analysis of nutrient content of feed plants are crude proteins ranging from 3.67% to 14.12% with an average (7.94±3.84)%, crude fiber (5.42% - 50.12%) with an average (20.52±14.43)%, NFC (35.91 - 84.72) with an average (57.00 ± 15.01)%, and gross energy content (3,269 – 4,489) cal/g with an average (3,525.5±1,241.3) cal/g.