Two Creatures Thought Extinct for 7,000 Years Rediscovered

Scientists confirmed that two small marsupials — the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider — are alive in New Guinea after being known only from fossils for more than 7,000 years, the Bishop Museum announced on March 5, 2026.

Scientists and collaborators have confirmed that two small marsupial species once known only from fossils are living in New Guinea. The Bishop Museum in Honolulu announced the finding on March 5, 2026. The animals involved are the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider, which had not been confirmed alive for more than 7,000 years. The confirmation came from combined efforts by museum researchers, Indigenous communities, university scientists and a citizen scientist who posted photographic records. Key facts: - The Bishop Museum announced the rediscovery on March 5, 2026. - The species identified are the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider, previously known only from fossil evidence and thought absent for over 7,000 years. - Dr. Ken Aplin first identified the species from fossil teeth found during an archaeological dig in western New Guinea in the 1990s. - Kristofer Helgen recognized a living gliding ring-tailed possum from a photograph, which helped prompt a broader investigation. - Researchers at the University of Papua New Guinea found two preserved pygmy long-fingered possum specimens in a jar, providing physical evidence of more recent survival. - Citizen scientist Carlos Bocos posted photographs of the pygmy long-fingered possum on iNaturalist and later became a co-author on the study documenting the species. Summary: The confirmation updates the scientific record and is described by researchers as an example of "Lazarus species," organisms that reappear after being thought extinct. It also highlights the role of multiple partners, including Indigenous communities and citizen scientists, in documenting biodiversity. Undetermined at this time.