Tag Archives: marsupial

Discovery of a New Marsupial Species in Peru

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Researchers have discovered a new species within the marsupial genus Marmosa from a single specimen found on the eastern slopes of the Andes in the San Martin region of Peru.

Marmosa Chachapoya. Image credit: Pedro Peloso.

Marmosa is a relatively small genus of neotropical mammals belonging to the family Didelphidae.

It represents one of three genera commonly referred to as mouse opossums, with the others being Tamarins and Tracuatine.

Marmosa Professor Sylvia Pavan from California Polytechnic University and her team stated:

“In addition to the naming of this species Marmosa, phylogenetic analysis has recently identified two potential new species from northern Peru. One has been classified under the subgenus Stegomarmosa, while the other is situated among the species of the subgenus Mikureus.

The new Marmosa species was found at altitudes where no other species of this genus had previously been recorded.

Designated as Marmosa Chachapoya, these animals exhibit reddish-brown fur and distinct mask-like facial markings.

They have a combined body and tail length of up to 25 cm (10 inches), with the body measuring approximately 10 cm (4 inches).

Researchers note that Marmosa Chachapoya is closely related to two species in the subgenus Stegomarmosa: Marmosa Repida and Marmosa Undersoni.

“I quickly realized this was an extraordinary find,” said Professor Pavan.

“Currently, we know very little about this species, as only a single specimen has been collected.”

To verify its classification as a new species, scientists analyzed its DNA and physical characteristics, concentrating on notable features such as the elongated nose and slender body.

“Marmosa Chachapoya is not the only new species discovered during our expedition,” Professor Pavan remarked.

“We have collected several other specimens, including new semi-aquatic rodents that have yet to be officially described.”

“These discoveries are crucial for biodiversity and conservation efforts, underscoring the ongoing mysteries of biodiversity in this region.”

“The results suggest that there are additional undiscovered species, many of which may be at risk without proper protection.”

“It emphasizes the significant role of scientific exploration and conservation in areas like the Rio Abysseo.”

The team’s paper was published in the journal Novitate at the American Museum on June 19, 2025.

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Sylvia E. Pavan et al. 2025. New species of Marmosa (Mammals, Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) from Peru’s Parque Nacional del Rio Abysseo. Novitate at the American Museum 4037

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Marsupial Species in Australia

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The newly identified Woylie species, Bettongia haoutharae, is likely already extinct, according to researchers from Curtin University, the Western Australian Museum, and Murdoch University.

Bettongia haoutharae. Image credit: Nelly Peas.

“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

Research indicates that the canine teeth of marsupial carnivores grow continuously throughout their lives.

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New research from the University of Tasmania also confirms important and fundamental morphological differences in Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) compared to most other animals.

Young Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Image credit: Keres H. / CC BY-SA 4.0.

There has long been interest in comparing the biology of placental and marsupial mammals and how different traits relate to adaptation and converging ecomorphological niches in different regions of the world. I’m here. One interesting feature is the tooth replacement pattern.

“Unlike humans, dogs and many other animals, which have a second set of baby teeth and adult teeth, we now know that the Tasmanian devil only has one tooth that serves them throughout their lives.” said researchers at the University of Tasmania. Professor Mena Jonesstudy author.

“When Tasmanian devil joeys are young, they have very small teeth that fit their small bodies.”

“Tasmanian devils are separated from their mothers when they are just one-third of their adult size, and at this point they must become independent and feed themselves.”

“Instead of spending time erupting into adult teeth like humans, the Tasmanian devil’s teeth simply ‘erupt’ from the jaw and gums, pushing out more and more to fill the Tasmanian devil’s large mouth and head. , they raise animals to hold meat and prey and for protection. ”

“This is a really cool fact about a really cool species, and it points to a completely different evolutionary solution to the formation of teeth in growing animals than we know.”

The same phenomenon is seen in local possums and possums, as well as in some ancient marsupials such as the giant volhyaenids and sabertooths of South America.

“This information will help researchers determine the age of the animals they are studying, including those monitored in the wild for Tasmanian devil facial tumor research,” Professor Jones said.

of study Published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

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Mena E. Jones. 2023. Overbudding of teeth in marsupial carnivores: compensation for constraints. Procedure R. Soc. B 290 (2013): 20230644; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0644

Source: www.sci.news