Recent scientific research has unveiled two previously unknown species of marsupials within the remote rainforests of New Guinea’s Vogelkop Peninsula. The Pygmy Longfinger Possum (Dactylonax Kambuyai) and Wow Glider (Thus ayamalensis) are believed to have vanished around 6,000 years ago. These discoveries indicate that New Guinea’s rich forests may still conceal remnants of an ancient animal kingdom.
Pygmy Longfinger Possum (Dactylonax Kambuyai), a female spotted in the Kralik area of the Vogelkop Peninsula. Image credit: Carlos Bocos.
Professor Tim Flannery from the Australian Museum states: “The identification of a ‘Lazarus taxon’ is a remarkable event, especially when it was thought to be recently extinct.”
“The uncovering of two species once believed to be extinct for millennia is truly exceptional.”
“This discovery underscores the crucial need to conserve these unique biological regions and highlights the significance of collaborative research in safeguarding hidden biodiversity.”
The pygmy long-tailed possum and the ring-tailed glider, known through Pleistocene fossils found in Australia and New Guinea, inhabit secluded lowland forests of the Vogelkop Peninsula.
“Vogelkop represents an ancient section of the Australian continent, now part of New Guinea,” remarked Professor Flannery.
“Its forests may still harbor even more hidden aspects of Australia’s natural history.”
The Pygmy Longfinger Possum boasts striking stripes and remarkable adaptability, featuring one finger on each hand that is twice as long as the next longest finger.
This species is thought to have vanished from Australia during the Ice Age, a period notorious for the extinction of iconic megafauna, including the diprotodon and the marsupial lion.
Wow Glider (Thus ayamalensis), a subadult from the South Solon area of the Vogelkop Peninsula. Image credit: Arman Muharmansyah.
The ring-tailed glider is closely related to the Australian Glider (Petauroides) and marks the first new genus of marsupials identified in New Guinea since 1937.
Smaller than its relatives, this species features furless ears and a strong, prehensile tail, forming lifelong pair bonds and typically raising just one pup annually.
Similar to sugar gliders, these marsupials reside in tree hollows high within the forest canopy and face threats from logging practices.
“The glider, known locally as tous among some Tamburou and Maybrat communities, is deemed sacred,” shared Lika Koline, a Maybrat community member.
“It symbolizes the spirits of our ancestors and plays a key role in educational practices such as initiation ceremonies.”
“Our meticulous collaboration with Tamburou Elders was essential, and without the involvement of Traditional Owners, this identification would not have been feasible.”
“We are immensely proud that Papuan researchers have contributed to these groundbreaking findings. Our gratitude extends to the communities in Misool, Maybrat, and Tambulo for their continued support in this research,” stated Dr. Aksamina Yohanita from the University of Papua.
A detailed study discussing these findings was published on March 6th in the Australian Museum Records.
_____
Tim F. Flannery et al. 2026. “Reemergence after 6,000 years: A modern record of the ‘extinct’ Papuan marsupial, Dactylonax Kambuyai (Marsupial: Petauridae), revised phylogeny and zoogeography of the genus Dactylonax.” Records of the Australian Museum 78 (1): 17-34; doi: 10.3853/j.2201-4349.78.2026.3003
Source: www.sci.news
