‘Extinct’ Marsupials Rediscovered in New Guinea

Recently, two marsupial species believed extinct for 6,000 years were rediscovered in New Guinea forests.

• The rediscovered species include a ring-tailed glider and a pygmy long-fingered possum.
• Earlier, these animals were known only from fossil records found in Australia.
• Scientists had believed the species disappeared around 6,000 years ago.
• The discovery was made in the Vogelkop Peninsula of Papua.
• Indigenous communities helped researchers navigate the dense forests.
• The ring-tailed glider has a gripping tail used for climbing branches.
• It also has distinctive hairless ears.
• Indigenous communities consider the glider a sacred animal.
• The pygmy long-fingered possum is extremely small and ....