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Two Species Thought Extinct for Millennia Rediscovered in West Papua

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  • The pygmy long-fingered possum was thought to have been extinct for 6,000 years
    The pygmy long-fingered possum was thought to have been extinct for 6,000 years
    Image: BBC
    The pygmy long-fingered possum was thought to have been extinct for 6,000 years (Carlos Bocos) Source Full size
  • The newly discovered ring-tailed glider, which lives in the hollows of tall trees
    The newly discovered ring-tailed glider, which lives in the hollows of tall trees
    Image: BBC
    The newly discovered ring-tailed glider, which lives in the hollows of tall trees (Arman Muharmansyah) Source Full size
  • The pygmy long-fingered possum uses its elongated finger to dig out wood-boring insect larvae
    The pygmy long-fingered possum uses its elongated finger to dig out wood-boring insect larvae
    Image: BBC
    The pygmy long-fingered possum uses its elongated finger to dig out wood-boring insect larvae (Carlos Bocos) Source Full size

Discovery of two long‑lost species in West Papua: A tiny pygmy long‑fingered possum and a ring‑tailed glider, both believed extinct for about 6,000 years, were found alive in remote rainforest habitats, confirming their survival beyond fossil records [1].

Scientists label the find “remarkable” and “exceptional”: The team published the results in Records of the Australian Museum, emphasizing the rarity of locating even a single Lazarus taxon, let alone two, in modern times [1].

Pygmy long‑fingered possum’s unique anatomy aids feeding: Weighing roughly 200 g, this striped marsupial’s fourth finger is twice as long as its other digits, a trait that helps it extract wood‑boring insect larvae, its primary food source, and it disappeared from Australia during the Ice Age [1].

Ring‑tailed glider lives in tree hollows and grasps branches: Similar to the greater glider, this species uses its prehensile tail to cling to branches and inhabits the cavities of tall trees, a niche that makes it vulnerable to habitat loss [1].

Research combined fossils, photos, and Indigenous knowledge: Scientists examined decades‑old specimens and consulted elders from the Tambrauw and Maybrat clans, whose traditional insights were essential for correctly identifying the living animals [1].

Logging threatens the glider’s habitat, prompting land‑rights action: Because the glider is considered sacred by local people, researchers and wildlife groups are seeking native‑title recognition to ensure any logging requires community consent, aiming to protect the forest ecosystem [1].

  • Prof Tim Flannery, Australian scientist and co‑author: “The discovery of one Lazarus taxon… is an exceptional discovery… but the discovery of two species, thought to have been extinct for thousands of years, is remarkable.”
  • Rika Korain, Maybrat woman and co‑author: Stated that identification of the species would not have been possible without the help of local elders.
  • Prof Tim Flannery (additional comment): Noted that the glider is “so sacred that not only won’t they hunt it, they won’t mention its name.”

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