New marsupial species discovered in Australia could already be extinct
Scientists discover new species while examining fossils
- A new marsupial species, Bettongia haoucharae, closely related to the kangaroo, has been identified from fossils found in Nullarbor caves in south and southwestern Australia.
- The discovery, made by scientists including those from Curtin University and published in Zootaxa, also identified two other living woylie subspecies.
- Despite the discovery, researchers believe this new species may already be extinct, highlighting the ongoing loss of biodiversity.
- Woylies are critically endangered marsupials vital for their role as ecosystem engineers, and these findings are crucial for future conservation and breeding initiatives.
- The study emphasises that combining fossil examination with genetic tools offers significant insights for classifying species and aiding the conservation of critically endangered native animals.