Researchers have confirmed that two small marsupials, previously known only from fossils, are still living in the wild: the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider.
The first one is quite extraordinary! It has one finger that is twice as long as its other fingers. It uses this special finger to catch tiny insect larvae hiding inside wood.
But how did scientists find them? They combined photographs, fossils, an old museum specimen and, most importantly, knowledge shared by local Indigenous communities.
These animals are incredible survivors! However, their rainforest home is threatened by deforestation. Protecting their habitat is now more important than ever.
Did you know? Scientists call animals like these “Lazarus species”. It’s a special name for species believed to have disappeared but later found alive!
