Researchers led by Australian scientist Tim Flannery have announced the remarkable discovery of two marsupial species previously believed to be extinct for 6,000 years. The animals were found alive in the rainforests of remote West Papua.
A Glimpse into the Past
These species are classified as “Lazarus taxa”—organisms that reappear after disappearing from fossil records. One is the pygmy long-fingered possum (Dactylonax kambuayai), notable for its elongated fourth digit used to extract wood-boring insect larvae. Fossil records indicate this possum once lived in Australia’s central Queensland region around 300,000 years ago, before seemingly vanishing during the ice age. The other is the ring-tailed glider (Tous ayamaruensis), a newly described genus closely related to the Australian greater glider, distinguished by its unfurred ears and prehensile tail.
The discovery relied on a combination of evidence, including photographs taken by local researchers, fossil fragments, and a museum specimen collected in 1992 that was initially misidentified. The findings are detailed in a special edition of a peer-reviewed journal published by the Australian Museum, where Flannery is a distinguished visiting fellow.
A Crowning Achievement
Flannery, also known for his work as a climate campaigner and author, described the discovery as a “crowning glory” in his career as a biologist. He noted the likelihood of finding a mammal thought extinct for millennia was “almost zero,” and finding two species is “unprecedented and groundbreaking.”
Both species inhabit the lowland mountain forests of the Bird’s Head peninsula, also known as the Vogelkop, in the Indonesian-controlled part of New Guinea. The ring-tailed glider holds cultural significance for some local clans, who consider it a manifestation of ancestral spirits.
What’s Next?
Further research could focus on assessing the population sizes and conservation status of these rediscovered species. Continued exploration of the Vogelkop peninsula may reveal additional previously unknown species. Conservation efforts will likely be needed to protect these animals and their habitat from threats such as logging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “Lazarus taxa”?
“Lazarus taxa” are species that disappear from fossil records but are later found to have survived, appearing to have “come back from the dead.”
Where were these species discovered?
The pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider were discovered in the rainforests of the Vogelkop peninsula in West Papua.
Who led the research team?
The research was led by Australian scientist Tim Flannery.
What will it take to ensure the survival of these rediscovered species in a changing world?
