17/03/2026
// Fossil possum thought gone for 6,000 years rediscovered alive in New Guinea //
A small rainforest marsupial once known only from fossils has been rediscovered alive in the forests of western New Guinea, highlighting how much of the islandâs biodiversity remains unexplored.
In a new study published in Records of the Australian Museum, scientists report modern records of the pygmy long-fingered possum, Dactylonax kambuayai. Until recently, the species had only been known from fossil remains dating back around 6,000 years, leading researchers to believe it had disappeared long ago.
The new findings show the species is still alive in the rainforests of the Vogelkop Peninsula in western New Guinea, one of the islandâs least studied regions.
Researchers describe the possum as a âLazarus speciesâ â an organism thought extinct that later turns up alive.
> The study notes that the pygmy long-fingered possum was âpreviously known only from fossils but now confirmed to survive in modern forests.â
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A tiny, elusive marsupial
The rediscovered animal belongs to the genus Dactylonax, a group of unusual arboreal marsupials commonly called striped possums.
These animals are known for a striking adaptation: an extra-long fourth finger used to probe into tree bark and crevices in search of insects and larvae. The feeding method is often compared to that of the aye-aye lemur in Madagascar.
But the pygmy long-fingered possum is especially unusual. According to the study, it is the smallest member of the striped possum group, and remains extremely poorly known to science.
Researchers currently have very little information about its ecology, behaviour or population size.
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A species hiding in plain sight
The species was originally described from fossil remains discovered in the Vogelkop region, where limestone caves have preserved remains of animals that lived thousands of years ago.
Because no modern specimens were known, scientists assumed the species had gone extinct sometime in the recent past.
However, the new study examined modern specimens and records, including museum material and field observations, confirming the species is still alive in forest habitats in the region.
The discovery dramatically extends the known timeline of the speciesâfrom ancient fossil deposits to present-day rainforests.
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What the name Dactylonax kambuayai means
The speciesâ scientific name reflects both its anatomy and its origins.
The genus name Dactylonax comes from Greek words meaning âfingerâ and âlord,â referring to the possumâs distinctive elongated finger used to extract insects from wood.
The species name kambuayai is derived from a local name from the Vogelkop region, where the animal was first identified from fossils.
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A region rich in hidden biodiversity
The rediscovery also underscores the biological importance of the Vogelkop Peninsula.
The study notes that Dactylonax kambuayai is one of only two marsupials in the region first known from fossils and later discovered alive.
The other is Petauroides ayamaruensis, another possum species described in recent years.
Both species are characterised by:
-very small body size
-limited geographic ranges
-occurrence in low-elevation rainforest below about 1,000 meters
These characteristics suggest the Vogelkop forests may harbour additional undocumented species, particularly small mammals that are difficult to detect.
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New Guineaâs biodiversity still largely unknown
The rediscovery highlights a broader pattern in New Guinea, the worldâs largest tropical island after Greenland.
Despite its immense biodiversity, many parts of the island remain poorly surveyed by scientists. Remote terrain, limited infrastructure and challenging field conditions have left large gaps in biological knowledge.
As a result, new speciesâand sometimes species believed extinctâcontinue to be discovered.
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About the lead author
The studyâs lead author, Tim Flannery, is a mammalogist and palaeontologist associated with the Australian Museum Research Institute.
Flannery has spent decades researching the mammals of New Guinea and the broader Australasian region. His work has contributed to the discovery and documentation of many species, and helped reveal the evolutionary history of the islandâs unique marsupials.
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A reminder of what remains undiscovered
For scientists and conservationists, the rediscovery of Dactylonax kambuayai serves as a reminder that even relatively large mammals can remain undetected for long periods in New Guineaâs forests.
The islandâs rainforests are among the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earthâand many species are still waiting to be documented.
As researchers continue exploring remote regions like the Vogelkop Peninsula, discoveries like this suggest that New Guineaâs biodiversity still holds many surprises. đż
