Marsupials Thought Extinct Found in New Guinea

Why this is here: The Tous ayamaruensis possesses a gliding membrane between its limbs, a feature not seen in other known New Guinea possums.

Biologists in western New Guinea discovered two marsupial species previously believed extinct roughly 6,000 years ago. The animals, known locally to some communities, were identified through a combination of fossil records, museum specimens, and recent photographs taken in the dense rainforests of the Vogelkop peninsula in Indonesia.

One species, Dactylonax kambuayai, a tiny striped possum, was linked to fossils found on the Ayamaru plateau and mislabeled museum specimens. It has an unusually long finger used for extracting insect larvae from trees.

The second, Tous ayamaruensis, is a gliding possum distinguished by its lack of fur on its ears and a prehensile tail. Indigenous elders from the Maybrat and Tambrauw communities helped confirm its identity from photographs.

Researchers note these “Lazarus species” discoveries are rare. However, both marsupials face ongoing threats from logging, agriculture, and palm oil plantations.

Their limited ranges—particularly for Dactylonax kambuayai—make them especially vulnerable. Further research is needed to determine their full distribution and ensure their long-term survival.