In a groundbreaking scientific revelation, two marsupial species believed to have been extinct for approximately 6,000 years have been rediscovered thriving in the remote rainforests of West Papua, New Guinea. This extraordinary find, spearheaded by the renowned Australian biologist Tim Flannery, represents a rare instance of "Lazarus taxa"—species that vanish from fossil records only to reappear alive centuries later.
Unprecedented Discovery of Lazarus Taxa
Tim Flannery, a distinguished mammalogist and climate campaigner, described the likelihood of locating one mammal species thought lost for millennia as "almost zero." The identification of two such species is, according to Flannery, "unprecedented and groundbreaking." The discoveries, detailed in a peer-reviewed special edition of the Australian Museum journal, highlight the critical importance of preserving unique ecosystems under threat from logging and development.
The Pygmy Long-Fingered Possum
The first species, the pygmy long-fingered possum (Dactylonax kambuayai), is characterised by its striped fur and an exceptionally elongated fourth digit, which it uses to extract wood-boring insect larvae. Fossil evidence previously indicated this possum inhabited central Queensland, Australia, around 300,000 years ago before disappearing during the ice age. It was last known to have lived in West Papua until about 6,000 years ago, with its existence confirmed through a museum specimen collected in 1992 that was initially misidentified.
The Ring-Tailed Glider
The second species, the ring-tailed glider (Tous ayamaruensis), is closely related to the Australian greater glider but features unfurred ears and a strongly prehensile tail for gripping. First described by the late zoologist Ken Aplin from fossil fragments found in West Papua, this glider has been identified as part of a newly described genus of marsupials. Other species from this genus existed in eastern Australia and New Guinea hundreds of thousands of years ago, making this discovery a significant taxonomic milestone.
Conservation and Cultural Significance
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. This sparsely populated region is under threat from logging, prompting Flannery and his team to collaborate with Indigenous elders, the University of Papua, the Global Wildlife Fund, and the Minderoo Foundation to protect these forests and leave them under traditional ownership.
Rika Korain, a local Maybrat woman and research co-author, emphasised that the ring-tailed glider is considered sacred by some Vogelkop clans, who view it as a manifestation of ancestral spirits. She noted that the identification of these species would not have been possible without the invaluable connection and knowledge of traditional owners.
Implications for Biological Research
David Lindenmayer, an ecologist and professor at the Australian National University, praised the discoveries as "amazing stuff," underscoring the importance of remote rainforests that have historically received little scientific study. Flannery added that these findings suggest the Vogelkop was once part of the Australian continent, later becoming integrated into New Guinea, with potential implications for uncovering more hidden relics of Australia's past in the region's forests.
At 70 years old, Flannery described this achievement as a "lifetime achievement" and the "crowning glory" of his biological career, marking the first new genus of New Guinean marsupial described since 1937. This research not only documents rare marsupials but also advocates for the preservation of their habitats, ensuring these Lazarus taxa continue to thrive for future generations.
