Two Lazarus Species Rediscovered in West Papua Rainforests After 6,000 Years Presumed Extinct

Scientists have confirmed the rediscovery of two tiny marsupial species in the remote rainforests of West Papua, Indonesia, after both were thought to have been extinct for over 6,000 years.

The pygmy long-fingered possum (Dactylonax kambuayai) and the ring-tailed glider (Tous ayamaruensis) were found living in the Vogelkop Peninsula, a region noted for its dense vegetation and isolated ecosystems. This discovery was published in the Records of the Australian Museum and described by researchers as a significant event in conservation biology.

Professor Tim Flannery of the Australian Museum emphasized the rarity of the find, stating that the discovery of one Lazarus taxon — a species rediscovered after being presumed extinct — is exceptional, but the simultaneous rediscovery of two such species is remarkable.

The discovery of one Lazarus taxon, even if thought to have become extinct recently, is an exceptional discovery. But the discovery of two species, thought to have been extinct for thousands of years, is remarkable.

Professor Tim Flannery, Australian Museum

The pygmy long-fingered possum, weighing approximately 200 grams, is distinguished by an elongated fourth finger on each hand, which is twice the length of its other digits. This adaptation aids the animal in extracting wood-boring insect larvae from trees, its primary food source. The species is understood to have disappeared from mainland Australia during the Ice Age.

The ring-tailed glider, the second species identified, possesses a tail capable of grasping branches, allowing it to navigate the canopy of tall trees. Like its Australian relative, the greater glider, it shelters in tree hollows and relies on intact forest habitats for survival.

Both species were located in undisturbed rainforest areas, underscoring the importance of preserving remote bioregions where undocumented biodiversity may still persist. Researchers involved in the study highlighted the value of long-term ecological surveys and international collaboration in uncovering such hidden wildlife.

The findings contribute to a growing understanding of extinction patterns and survival refuges, particularly in tropical regions where species may persist in isolation far longer than previously assumed. Scientists noted that such discoveries reinforce the need for continued investment in rainforest conservation and biological exploration.