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Ancient Gliding Possum 'Tous' Revealed
6 Mar
Summary
- A new genus of gliding possum, named Tous, was discovered.
- The animal was thought extinct, known only from fossil bones.
- Indigenous knowledge confirmed the living possum's existence.
Scientists have described a new genus of small gliding possum in Indonesian Papua, named Tous. This discovery is exceptionally rare, as establishing a new genus indicates a lineage evolutionarily separate for millions of years. The animal was initially known only from fossil bones, presumed extinct for around 6,000 years.
A 2015 photograph taken by a plantation worker provided the first evidence of the possum's survival. Analysis of the images and fossil material confirmed it was a living example of the ancient hemibelidine lineage. Indigenous knowledge from local landowners was instrumental in identifying the animal as "Tous wansai," confirming its distinctiveness and survival.
This newly identified genus, Tous, is now vulnerable due to its restricted habitat in lowland forests facing logging and agricultural expansion. Its low reproduction rate and appeal to wildlife traffickers pose significant conservation challenges. Protecting this "Lazarus species" relies on building on community knowledge and ensuring local populations benefit from its conservation.
