Lazarus animals found alive in New Guinea after more than 7,000 years

Scientists, Indigenous communities and citizen scientists confirmed live sightings of the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider in New Guinea, species previously known only from fossils dated over 7,000 years ago.

Researchers and local partners announced that two marsupial species long known only from fossil remains have been confirmed alive in New Guinea. The animals identified are the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider. Fossils of these species date back more than 7,000 years. The confirmations resulted from work over the past two years involving museum researchers, Indigenous communities and citizen scientists. Key facts: - Two species — the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider — were reported alive, according to the Bishop Museum. - Fossil teeth for these species were first described by Dr. Ken Aplin from excavations in western New Guinea in the 1990s. - Researchers including Dr. Kristofer Helgen and Dr. Tim Flannery worked to document live specimens over about two years. - Indigenous communities in the Tambrauw and Maybrat areas assisted with identification through local knowledge of the animals' behavior. - Evidence included two historical specimens held in a university collection in Papua New Guinea and recent photos posted to iNaturalist by citizen scientist Carlos Bocos, who is listed as a co-author on the study. - Scientists described these as "Lazarus species," a term for organisms that reappear after being thought extinct. Summary: The confirmations show that species known previously only from ancient fossils are alive today, giving researchers new opportunities to study their biology and status. Scientists involved described the finds as offering a renewed opportunity to learn about these animals. Undetermined at this time.