The newly identified Woylie species, Bettongia haoutharae, is likely already extinct, according to researchers from Curtin University, the Western Australian Museum, and Murdoch University.
“Woylies act as ecosystem engineers, moving several tons of soil each year in search of their favorite mushroom snacks,” says Jake Newman Martin, a Curtin University student, along with colleagues.
“These adorable kangaroo relatives from Western Australia are among the most endangered mammals, as conservation efforts continue to save species at risk.”
In this recent study, the researchers examined fossils found in caves in southwestern Australia.
They uncovered an entirely new species and two new subspecies.
“This discovery unveils significant insights into the diversity of Woylies, also known as the brush tail veton,” explains Newman-Martin.
“Woylies are endangered marsupials that have been the focus of conservation initiatives for many years.”
“This new study officially recognizes it as a distinct species based on fossil evidence, along with two new variants of Woylies for the first time.”
“Regrettably, many of these species went extinct before we even became aware of them.
“Our findings categorize the endangered Woylie into two living subspecies, which are crucial for breeding and translocation strategies aimed at increasing population size and genetic fitness.”
Dr. Kenny Traboillon, curator of terrestrial zoology at the Western Australian Museum, stated:
“This research revealed various species and broadened the known diversity of Woylies by analyzing skull and body fossil materials that hadn’t been thoroughly examined before.”
“What our research highlights is that studying fossils alongside genetic tools can offer vital insights to aid conservation efforts for this endangered native species.”
A paper detailing the discovery was published in the journal Zootaxa.
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Jake Newman Martin et al. 2025. Taxonomic revision of Bettongia penicillata (Diprotodontia: Potoroidae) Description of species complexes and subfossil species Bettongia haoutharae sp. November. Zootaxa 5690(1); doi:10.11646/zootaxa.5690.1.1
Source: www.sci.news
