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1000 results for “ProfessorTim”
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Tim Spector’s one ‘superfood’ that could slash heart disease, stroke and cancer risk
Professor Tim Spector has shared one …
#dining #cooking #diet #food #MediterraneanOliveOil #OliveOil #Apps #breastcancer #cancer #health #healthyeating #HealthyLife #healthylifestyle #healthyliving #heartdisease #Mediterranean #NewEnglandJournalofMedicine #NHS #Olive #superfoods #timspector
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2554273/tim-spectors-one-superfood-that-could-slash-heart-disease-stroke-and-cancer-risk/ -
Tim Spector’s one ‘superfood’ that could slash heart disease, stroke and cancer risk
Professor Tim Spector has shared one …
#dining #cooking #diet #food #MediterraneanOliveOil #OliveOil #Apps #breastcancer #cancer #health #healthyeating #HealthyLife #healthylifestyle #healthyliving #heartdisease #Mediterranean #NewEnglandJournalofMedicine #NHS #Olive #superfoods #timspector
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2554273/tim-spectors-one-superfood-that-could-slash-heart-disease-stroke-and-cancer-risk/ -
Tim Spector’s one ‘superfood’ that could slash heart disease, stroke and cancer risk
Professor Tim Spector has shared one …
#dining #cooking #diet #food #MediterraneanOliveOil #OliveOil #Apps #breastcancer #cancer #health #healthyeating #HealthyLife #healthylifestyle #healthyliving #heartdisease #Mediterranean #NewEnglandJournalofMedicine #NHS #Olive #superfoods #timspector
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2554273/tim-spectors-one-superfood-that-could-slash-heart-disease-stroke-and-cancer-risk/ -
Tim Spector’s one ‘superfood’ that could slash heart disease, stroke and cancer risk
Professor Tim Spector has shared one …
#dining #cooking #diet #food #MediterraneanOliveOil #OliveOil #Apps #breastcancer #cancer #health #healthyeating #HealthyLife #healthylifestyle #healthyliving #heartdisease #Mediterranean #NewEnglandJournalofMedicine #NHS #Olive #superfoods #timspector
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2554273/tim-spectors-one-superfood-that-could-slash-heart-disease-stroke-and-cancer-risk/ -
6. Architecture and Circularity: Rethinking Design for a Regenerative Built Environment
Professor Tim Schork, School of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering, QUT
A Just Energy Transition:
Law, Economics, and Public Policy.
A QUT Symposium
QUT Energy Transition Centre
21 November 2025
https://drrimmer.medium.com/a-just-energy-transition-law-economics-and-public-policy-9a68767675a0
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Get out the vote
#TeamRhetoric #WeirdifyingFascism
#Normalizingdemocracy#gtvo
‘Only Putin's funeral can possibly consolidate a peace settlement in Ukraine and across RussiaProfessor Tim Wilson
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ih0G5D2uok8 #TheLargerNow // #AmericaDefeatsAmerica || #EU { #OnTyranny #LearnFromPeersInOtherCountries¿\ # C.ongressional M.ilitary I.ndustrial C.omplex #WhatIsOligarchy
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Get out the vote
#TeamRhetoric #WeirdifyingFascism
#Normalizingdemocracy#gtvo
‘Only Putin's funeral can possibly consolidate a peace settlement in Ukraine and across RussiaProfessor Tim Wilson
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ih0G5D2uok8 #TheLargerNow // #AmericaDefeatsAmerica || #EU { #OnTyranny #LearnFromPeersInOtherCountries¿\ # C.ongressional M.ilitary I.ndustrial C.omplex #WhatIsOligarchy
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Get out the vote
#TeamRhetoric #WeirdifyingFascism
#Normalizingdemocracy#gtvo
‘Only Putin's funeral can possibly consolidate a peace settlement in Ukraine and across RussiaProfessor Tim Wilson
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ih0G5D2uok8 #TheLargerNow // #AmericaDefeatsAmerica || #EU { #OnTyranny #LearnFromPeersInOtherCountries¿\ # C.ongressional M.ilitary I.ndustrial C.omplex #WhatIsOligarchy
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Compassion Is The Highest Form Of Wisdom
Hello
#War
‘Bombs Before Words: Why America Can No Longer Be TrustedProfessor Tim Wilson
https://youtube.com/watch?v=JnnRlm49JuE #onlove#democracy #Americas #America
#USA ( # USA # USA # USA ) -
@AlexPalombo Finally! Another #BritishTV fan! I love:
#Taskmaster (oh, how I love Taskmaster)
#PeepShow
#FridayNightDinner
#AntiquesRoadshow
#GBBO (except this current season is quite wtaf)
#BritainsBestWoodworker
#GreatPotteryThrowdown
#SewingBee
#LineOfDuty (BENT COPPERS!)
#Unforgotten (Nicola Walker in anything, really)
#StrictlyComeDancing
#ProfessorAliceRobers
#DrJaninaRamirez
#SimonReeve
#BethanyHughes
#ProfessorJimAlKhalili
#WILTY
#OnlyConnect
Etc.etc.You? ❤️
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@AlexPalombo Finally! Another #BritishTV fan! I love:
#Taskmaster (oh, how I love Taskmaster)
#PeepShow
#FridayNightDinner
#AntiquesRoadshow
#GBBO (except this current season is quite wtaf)
#BritainsBestWoodworker
#GreatPotteryThrowdown
#SewingBee
#LineOfDuty (BENT COPPERS!)
#Unforgotten (Nicola Walker in anything, really)
#StrictlyComeDancing
#ProfessorAliceRobers
#DrJaninaRamirez
#SimonReeve
#BethanyHughes
#ProfessorJimAlKhalili
#WILTY
#OnlyConnect
Etc.etc.You? ❤️
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Marsupials thought extinct for 6,000 years found in West Papua
In an astonishing discovery, two marsupial species believed to be extinct for 6,000 years have been rediscovered alive and well in the remote rainforests of West Papua. The pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider were located with the crucial assistance of local indigenous Vogelkop clans. However, their survival remains precarious as their habitats are increasingly threatened by logging and the expansion of the palm oil colonialism in West Papua. Laws and native title to protect this region is essential for indigenous land defenders. We musn’t let them disappear again #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Two #extinct #marsupials in #WestPapua found alive! The #marsupials highlight the need to protect #Papuan forests or they are gone for good! Resist for them and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife when you shop 🌴🙊🔥☠️🚫 @palmoildetect #Boycott4Wildlife https://wp.me/pcFhgU-iOH
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterTwo #possums thought extinct for 6000 years are alive in #WestPapua! The pygmy #possum and sacred ring-tailed #glider are #nature’s battlers who deserve a break from #palmoil ecocide. Stand with #indigenous defenders against palm oil #colonialism! 🌴🚫 @palmoildetect #BoycottPalmOil https://wp.me/pcFhgU-iOH
Share to BlueSky Share to Twitter
Two extraordinarily rare marsupials, entirely believed to have been extinct for over six thousand years, have been discovered alive in the remote, Vogelkop mountain forests of the Bird’s Head peninsula in West Papua. This remarkable rediscovery of the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider was confirmed by Australian scientist Professor Tim Flannery, alongside a team of local indigenous experts and university researchers.“More important than finding a living thylacine in Tasmania.”
Scott Hucknull from Central Queensland University describes the magnitude of the discovery.These species are rare examples of “Lazarus taxa”. Animals who disappear from the fossil record only to be found alive centuries later. Flannery noted that the likelihood of finding even one lost mammal was almost zero, let alone two.
“It’s unprecedented and groundbreaking, really, to find two Lazarus taxa,” Flannery says. “We’ve been able to finalise two pieces of work that are incredibly important from a biological and a conservation perspective, documenting the existence of rare marsupials in an area under threat. It’s sort of a crowning glory in my career as a biologist.”
The first of the resurrected species is the pygmy long-fingered possum, Dactylonax kambuayai. This tiny, striped marsupial possesses an extraordinary evolutionary trait: an elongated fourth finger on each hand that is double the length of other digits. Flannery explains that they use this finger to extract grubs from timber.
“They’ve got a whole lot of specialisations in their ear region as well, which seem to be related to detection of low-frequency sound. So presumably they’re listening for wood-boring beetle larvae, and they then rip open the rotting wood and use that finger to fish out the grub,” Flannery says.
The second species, the ring-tailed glider (Tous ayamaruensis), features unfurred ears and a strong, prehensile tail used for gripping branches. Flannery calls it “one of the most photogenic animals, most beautiful marsupials you’ll ever see.”
Crucially, the rediscovery of these elusive creatures was entirely dependent on the profound ecological knowledge of the local Tambrauw and Maybrat clans. These indigenous communities view the ring-tailed glider as deeply sacred, believing them to be manifestations of their ancestors’ spirits, and actively protect them from hunting. Rika Korain, a Maybrat woman and co-author of the research, emphasised that identifying the species relied entirely on traditional owners. “This connection has been essential,” she says.
“I’m very proud that Papuan researchers contributed to these landmark discoveries, and want to thank the people of the Misool, Maybrat and Tambrouw regions who supported us in the field,”
Dr Aksamina Yohanita of the University of Papua said.“The Vogelkop is an ancient piece of the Australian continent that has become incorporated into the island of New Guinea. Its forests may shelter yet more hidden relics of a past Australia,”
Tim FlanneryTo protect the remaining populations from the illegal wildlife trade, researchers are keeping their exact locations highly classified. Flannery delivered a stark warning to potential poachers regarding the animals’ survival in captivity: “They would be incredibly difficult to keep in captivity. because their diet is so highly specialised. Advanced warning for anyone who’s thinking of keeping one as a pet: it won’t live long,” he says.
While their rediscovery is a triumph, their future is highly uncertain. The proximity of power-hungry corporates intent on razing the rainforest for palm oil and timber casts a dark shadow over the region.
David Lindenmayer, an ecologist at the Australian National University, who was not involved in the study said “I am also hugely concerned about the extent of logging and land clearing happening in New Guinea,” he says. “It also makes me wonder what might have been lost in Australia as a result of all of the land clearing that has taken place here.”
The findings underline strong calls from scientists, environmentalists and indigenous rights advocates for Native Title legal land rights and indigenous-led protections of West Papua and its imperilled Vogelkop rainforest where these delightful marsupials are found.
Further information
Lam, L. (2026, March 6). Tiny possum and glider thought extinct for 6,000 years found in remote West Papua. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyg6p8g6yjo
Morton, A. (2026, March 6). Marsupials previously thought extinct for millennia discovered in New Guinea. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/05/marsupials-discovered-new-guinea
Woodford, J. (2026, March 5). Two marsupials believed extinct for 6000 years found alive. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2518082-two-marsupials-believed-extinct-for-6000-years-found-alive/
ENDS
Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global South America S.E. Asia India Africa West Papua & PNGGursky’s Spectral Tarsier Tarsius spectrumgurskyae
Keep readingSunda Flying Lemur Galeopterus variegatus
Keep readingWestern Parotia Parotia sefilata
Keep readingCapped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Keep readingMountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Keep reading Keep readingLearn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying Fake labels Indigenous Land-grabbing Human rights abuses Deforestation Human health hazardsA 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Read moreTake Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email address
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Join 3,179 other subscribers2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Read moreMel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Read moreAnthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Read moreHealth Physician Dr Evan Allen
Read moreThe World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
Read moreHow do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
Read more3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20
https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20
https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Pledge your support #animalBehaviour #AnimalBiodiversityNews #animalExtinction #animalIntelligence #animalRights #biodiversity #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #deforestation #ForgottenAnimals #Marsupial #marsupials #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #PapuaNewGuinea #PapuaNewGuineaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #possum #possums #WestPapua -
A film everyone must see
On Monday, 27th April, I visited STC, formerly known as St Thomas’ Church, Crookes, for a Community screening of the National Emergency Briefing film. There was a good-sized audience of around 60 people, but I’m guessing most were already quite knowledgeable about the climate and nature emergencies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaI-dHgh65Q
The 50-minute film combines authoritative scientific content from the Westminster briefing in November last year, with reactions from members of the public and some more familiar faces, such as Jennifer Saunders and Deborah Meaden, which help audiences process the information on a more human level. It delivers the frank facts about the threats, but also the enormous benefits if the Government leads genuine emergency action.
The film features scientific evidence from experts such as Professor Tim Lenton on tipping points and Professor Paul Barran on food security. It covers climate impacts on national security, health, and the economy.
As a teacher, I always used to try to avoid tipping points. Kids would love to lean back in their chairs, and inevitably, they would occasionally go past the tipping point and end up on the floor. Climate tipping points are events that could radically change the global climate, such as the death of a rainforest, the collapse of an ice sheet, or the failure of an ocean circulation system, leading to rising sea levels and catastrophic changes in temperatures.
People who have seen the film have commented that although the facts are alarming, they felt a sense of optimism about confronting the challenge together and seeing a pathway to a better future.
Lucy Gavaghan was quoted in’Now Then, calling the film “…a masterclass in public communications… Somehow, it’s peppered with hope without feeling glib, occasionally witty without being gimmicky, and harrowing without leaving you fully numb…This film’s brilliance lies in the simple fact that it is harder to ignore than it is to respond to.”
Sarah Daly wrote in LinkedIn, “This film isn’t designed to sow fear, it is about hope. It’s about knowledge as power and the opportunity for grown-up conversations so that our political leaders can no longer pretend it’s business as usual, bow to industry lobbyists and vested interests and kick the can on decisions that affect our very survival through this decade and beyond. “
The film was conceived and developed by Ben Carey and Henrik Delehag at Climate Comms Lab Utopia Bureau.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ihBP0_zEO0
After the film, we split into small group discussions. Some audience reactions included Dave’s, who said, “The bulk of the responsibility does lie with the Government. We need to force the Government to tell the truth and to act.” Matthew had been impressed with the success of Sheffield’s Green Bonds, which very quickly raised £1million to purchase solar panels for school roofs. He wanted a national bond that people could invest in, so that the proceeds could be used to solve the climate and nature crises. Anne said she would spread the word in her local WhatsApp group and Book Group, because the film is very powerful.
Ideally, everyone needs to see this film, especially decision makers like MP’s and Councillors, Business leaders, Educationalists, Bankers, Health Executives, Generals – there isn’t a role that is not affected by the climate and nature emergencies and people in every walk of life need to be aware of what the experts are saying and how we can best meet the challenges. I’m pleased to say that following my question at the end of the meeting, the two Councillors present, Minesh Parekh and Ruth Milsom, were able to say that a showing would be organised for all the Sheffield Councillors at the Town Hall. Perhaps you could help organise a showing of the film in your local community, workplace or place of worship.
The idea is to build up a big community of activists who have seen the film, to pressure the BBC and other broadcasters to show it on prime-time television. During COVID, we had regular Emergency Briefings. We now need these for Climate and Nature.
The Government should launch a science-led national emergency response to climate and nature breakdown, showing the same leadership and determination as in World War 2. This should include emergency legislation to drive a rapid reduction in emissions whilst investing to adapt to a more dangerous climate. Evidence shows that such action will create jobs and improve lives.
International climate conferences have failed to deliver the scale of global action needed. By taking these steps, the UK can establish the credibility required to help lead by example to drive the global action that people across the world are calling for.
Teams of volunteers are organising showings all over Sheffield and inviting MP’s and the public to see it. There have already been showings at Stannington, Sheffield University, Broomhall and the Energy Centre on Cambridge Street. The next showings are
The Light Wed 20th May 19.30
Sheffield Hallam University 16 July
Dr Cathy Rhodes, the Diocesan Environment Officer, helped organise this screening with the local Eco Church group, made up of people from 4 congregations. She said, “The Climate and Nature Emergency is accelerating and becoming really critical. We need to wake up and hear our call to care for God’s creation, vulnerable people, and address climate injustice. We’re hoping that, in showing the film in churches throughout the Diocese, and indeed to all denominations throughout the country, we will raise awareness, give opportunities to people to listen and learn, come together and begin to take action. The Church of England and Green Christians have some excellent resources that can be made available. Contact us via the diocesan website.
Please write to your MP to invite them to the 16th July screening
Please use this template to invite your MP to the screening on 16th July.
Dear [MP’s Name],
I am writing as your constituent to invite you to attend a local screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing film.
The UK faces a growing climate and nature emergency, but most people have never been fully briefed on what it means for our lives, our economy and our future. This new film from the National Emergency Briefing sets out the risks facing the nation – and the credible, positive responses available.
Location: Adsetts Centre, SHU City Campus, City Centre, S1 1WB (Arundel Gate entrance)
Date: 16 July
Time: 19:00 (Door open at 19:00 for a prompt start at 19:15)Over 200 Sheffield residents are expected to attend, so this will be a great chance for you to engage with your constituents.
The film features footage from last November’s National Emergency Briefing, which brought together leading UK experts in climate science, food security, health, economics, national security and nature. It presents a clear, measured overview of how the climate and nature crisis is affecting everyday life in Britain – and what the evidence says about the risks and the responses needed.
The film exists to give the public the same information Parliament received in November, helping people understand the challenges before us.The initiative is explicitly non-partisan, and the events are designed as open community conversations rather than political platforms. It has support from a wide range of organisations, including the National Trust, the Church of England, Exeter University, the Royal Meteorological Society, WWF, the National Education Union, and many more.
Following the 45-minute film, we will host a 45-minute structured discussion on what this means for our local community, and it would be great if you could attend and join the conversation. Your presence at the event, as a participant in the discussion or just engaging with constituents, would demonstrate how important this issue is to all of us.
I appreciate that you have many draws on your time, but it would be so valuable if you could attend. I will be going to the event – please let me know if you are able to join us.
With best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Address / Postcode/ Tel No/ email – MPs often ask for these details to check you are a constituent before reading and responding to emails].
Here is a list of Sheffield MP email addresses.[email protected] (Brightside & Hillsborough)
#BBC #ChrisPackham #climateChange #DeborahMeaden #DrCathyRhodes #EcoBureau #environment #Film #JenniferSaunders #NationalEmergencyBriefing #news #politics #SheffieldCityCouncil #SheffieldDiocese #TippingPoints #UtopiaBureau
[email protected] (Central)
[email protected] (Hallam)
[email protected] (Heeley)
[email protected] (Sheffield South East)
[email protected] (Penistone & Stocksbridge) -
Random clip from Raw Deal, April 2, 1992
WPRB - 103.3 FM, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
Hosted by: Eazy M, G, Tony D
Featuring: Courageous Chief, Dre, Leo, Mahir, Professor Tim
Find the whole show at https://hiphopradioarchive.org/show/36
Brought to you by @hiphopradioarchive
#HipHop #HipHopRadioArchive #ClassichHpHop -
https://bsky.app/profile/invest-flagship.bsky.social/post/3mlo5gjjdtk25 #UTU #yliopisto 💚 “Rakastan sosiologiassa sitä, että ilmiöitä voi tarkastella niin monitasoisesti – yksilöiden ominaisuuksien, perhetaustan, yhteisöjen ja yhteiskunnallisten rakenteiden kautta", professorimme @elinakilpi.bsky.social paljasti professoriluennossaan tänään @utu.fi'ssa.
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https://bsky.app/profile/invest-flagship.bsky.social/post/3mlo5gjjdtk25 #UTU #yliopisto 💚 “Rakastan sosiologiassa sitä, että ilmiöitä voi tarkastella niin monitasoisesti – yksilöiden ominaisuuksien, perhetaustan, yhteisöjen ja yhteiskunnallisten rakenteiden kautta", professorimme @elinakilpi.bsky.social paljasti professoriluennossaan tänään @utu.fi'ssa.
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https://bsky.app/profile/invest-flagship.bsky.social/post/3mlo5gjjdtk25 #UTU #yliopisto 💚 “Rakastan sosiologiassa sitä, että ilmiöitä voi tarkastella niin monitasoisesti – yksilöiden ominaisuuksien, perhetaustan, yhteisöjen ja yhteiskunnallisten rakenteiden kautta", professorimme @elinakilpi.bsky.social paljasti professoriluennossaan tänään @utu.fi'ssa.
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Marsupials thought extinct for 6,000 years found in West Papua
In an astonishing discovery, two marsupial species believed to be extinct for 6,000 years have been rediscovered alive and well in the remote rainforests of West Papua. The pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider were located with the crucial assistance of local indigenous Vogelkop clans. However, their survival remains precarious as their habitats are increasingly threatened by logging and the expansion of the palm oil colonialism in West Papua. Laws and native title to protect this region is essential for indigenous land defenders. We musn’t let them disappear again #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Two #extinct #marsupials in #WestPapua found alive! The #marsupials highlight the need to protect #Papuan forests or they are gone for good! Resist for them and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife when you shop 🌴🙊🔥☠️🚫 @palmoildetect #Boycott4Wildlife https://wp.me/pcFhgU-iOH
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterTwo #possums thought extinct for 6000 years are alive in #WestPapua! The pygmy #possum and sacred ring-tailed #glider deserve a break from #palmoil #ecocide. Stand with #indigenous defenders against #colonialism! 🌴🚫 @palmoildetect #BoycottPalmOil https://wp.me/pcFhgU-iOH
Share to BlueSky Share to Twitter
Two extraordinarily rare marsupials, entirely believed to have been extinct for over six thousand years, have been discovered alive in the remote, Vogelkop mountain forests of the Bird’s Head peninsula in West Papua. This remarkable rediscovery of the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider was confirmed by Australian scientist Professor Tim Flannery, alongside a team of local indigenous experts and university researchers.“More important than finding a living thylacine in Tasmania.”
Scott Hucknull from Central Queensland University describes the magnitude of the discovery.These species are rare examples of “Lazarus taxa”. Animals who disappear from the fossil record only to be found alive centuries later. Flannery noted that the likelihood of finding even one lost mammal was almost zero, let alone two.
“It’s unprecedented and groundbreaking, really, to find two Lazarus taxa,” Flannery says. “We’ve been able to finalise two pieces of work that are incredibly important from a biological and a conservation perspective, documenting the existence of rare marsupials in an area under threat. It’s sort of a crowning glory in my career as a biologist.”
The first of the resurrected species is the pygmy long-fingered possum, Dactylonax kambuayai. This tiny, striped marsupial possesses an extraordinary evolutionary trait: an elongated fourth finger on each hand that is double the length of other digits. Flannery explains that they use this finger to extract grubs from timber.
“They’ve got a whole lot of specialisations in their ear region as well, which seem to be related to detection of low-frequency sound. So presumably they’re listening for wood-boring beetle larvae, and they then rip open the rotting wood and use that finger to fish out the grub,” Flannery says.
The second species, the ring-tailed glider (Tous ayamaruensis), features unfurred ears and a strong, prehensile tail used for gripping branches. Flannery calls it “one of the most photogenic animals, most beautiful marsupials you’ll ever see.”
Crucially, the rediscovery of these elusive creatures was entirely dependent on the profound ecological knowledge of the local Tambrauw and Maybrat clans. These indigenous communities view the ring-tailed glider as deeply sacred, believing them to be manifestations of their ancestors’ spirits, and actively protect them from hunting. Rika Korain, a Maybrat woman and co-author of the research, emphasised that identifying the species relied entirely on traditional owners. “This connection has been essential,” she says.
“I’m very proud that Papuan researchers contributed to these landmark discoveries, and want to thank the people of the Misool, Maybrat and Tambrouw regions who supported us in the field,”
Dr Aksamina Yohanita of the University of Papua said.“The Vogelkop is an ancient piece of the Australian continent that has become incorporated into the island of New Guinea. Its forests may shelter yet more hidden relics of a past Australia,”
Tim FlanneryTo protect the remaining populations from the illegal wildlife trade, researchers are keeping their exact locations highly classified. Flannery delivered a stark warning to potential poachers regarding the animals’ survival in captivity: “They would be incredibly difficult to keep in captivity. because their diet is so highly specialised. Advanced warning for anyone who’s thinking of keeping one as a pet: it won’t live long,” he says.
While their rediscovery is a triumph, their future is highly uncertain. The proximity of power-hungry corporates intent on razing the rainforest for palm oil and timber casts a dark shadow over the region.
David Lindenmayer, an ecologist at the Australian National University, who was not involved in the study said “I am also hugely concerned about the extent of logging and land clearing happening in New Guinea,” he says. “It also makes me wonder what might have been lost in Australia as a result of all of the land clearing that has taken place here.”
The findings underline strong calls from scientists, environmentalists and indigenous rights advocates for Native Title legal land rights and indigenous-led protections of West Papua and its imperilled Vogelkop rainforest where these delightful marsupials are found.
Further information
Lam, L. (2026, March 6). Tiny possum and glider thought extinct for 6,000 years found in remote West Papua. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyg6p8g6yjo
Morton, A. (2026, March 6). Marsupials previously thought extinct for millennia discovered in New Guinea. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/05/marsupials-discovered-new-guinea
Woodford, J. (2026, March 5). Two marsupials believed extinct for 6000 years found alive. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2518082-two-marsupials-believed-extinct-for-6000-years-found-alive/
ENDS
Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global South America S.E. Asia India Africa West Papua & PNGMarsupials thought extinct for 6,000 years found in West Papua
Keep readingGursky’s Spectral Tarsier Tarsius spectrumgurskyae
Keep readingSunda Flying Lemur Galeopterus variegatus
Keep readingWestern Parotia Parotia sefilata
Keep readingCapped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Keep readingMountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Keep readingLearn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying Fake labels Indigenous Land-grabbing Human rights abuses Deforestation Human health hazardsA 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Read moreTake Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Read moreMel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Read moreAnthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Read moreHealth Physician Dr Evan Allen
Read moreThe World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
Read moreHow do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
Read more3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20
https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20
https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Pledge your support #animalBehaviour #AnimalBiodiversityNews #animalExtinction #animalIntelligence #animalRights #biodiversity #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #deforestation #ForgottenAnimals #Marsupial #marsupials #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #PapuaNewGuinea #PapuaNewGuineaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #possum #possums #WestPapua -
Marsupials thought extinct for 6,000 years found in West Papua
In an astonishing discovery, two marsupial species believed to be extinct for 6,000 years have been rediscovered alive and well in the remote rainforests of West Papua. The pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider were located with the crucial assistance of local indigenous Vogelkop clans. However, their survival remains precarious as their habitats are increasingly threatened by logging and the expansion of the palm oil colonialism in West Papua. Laws and native title to protect this region is essential for indigenous land defenders. We musn’t let them disappear again #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Two #extinct #marsupials in #WestPapua found alive! The #marsupials highlight the need to protect #Papuan forests or they are gone for good! Resist for them and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife when you shop 🌴🙊🔥☠️🚫 @palmoildetect #Boycott4Wildlife https://wp.me/pcFhgU-iOH
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterTwo #possums thought extinct for 6000 years are alive in #WestPapua! The pygmy #possum and sacred ring-tailed #glider are #nature’s battlers who deserve a break from #palmoil ecocide. Stand with #indigenous defenders against palm oil #colonialism! 🌴🚫 @palmoildetect #BoycottPalmOil https://wp.me/pcFhgU-iOH
Share to BlueSky Share to Twitter
Two extraordinarily rare marsupials, entirely believed to have been extinct for over six thousand years, have been discovered alive in the remote, Vogelkop mountain forests of the Bird’s Head peninsula in West Papua. This remarkable rediscovery of the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider was confirmed by Australian scientist Professor Tim Flannery, alongside a team of local indigenous experts and university researchers.“More important than finding a living thylacine in Tasmania.”
Scott Hucknull from Central Queensland University describes the magnitude of the discovery.These species are rare examples of “Lazarus taxa”. Animals who disappear from the fossil record only to be found alive centuries later. Flannery noted that the likelihood of finding even one lost mammal was almost zero, let alone two.
“It’s unprecedented and groundbreaking, really, to find two Lazarus taxa,” Flannery says. “We’ve been able to finalise two pieces of work that are incredibly important from a biological and a conservation perspective, documenting the existence of rare marsupials in an area under threat. It’s sort of a crowning glory in my career as a biologist.”
The first of the resurrected species is the pygmy long-fingered possum, Dactylonax kambuayai. This tiny, striped marsupial possesses an extraordinary evolutionary trait: an elongated fourth finger on each hand that is double the length of other digits. Flannery explains that they use this finger to extract grubs from timber.
“They’ve got a whole lot of specialisations in their ear region as well, which seem to be related to detection of low-frequency sound. So presumably they’re listening for wood-boring beetle larvae, and they then rip open the rotting wood and use that finger to fish out the grub,” Flannery says.
The second species, the ring-tailed glider (Tous ayamaruensis), features unfurred ears and a strong, prehensile tail used for gripping branches. Flannery calls it “one of the most photogenic animals, most beautiful marsupials you’ll ever see.”
Crucially, the rediscovery of these elusive creatures was entirely dependent on the profound ecological knowledge of the local Tambrauw and Maybrat clans. These indigenous communities view the ring-tailed glider as deeply sacred, believing them to be manifestations of their ancestors’ spirits, and actively protect them from hunting. Rika Korain, a Maybrat woman and co-author of the research, emphasised that identifying the species relied entirely on traditional owners. “This connection has been essential,” she says.
“I’m very proud that Papuan researchers contributed to these landmark discoveries, and want to thank the people of the Misool, Maybrat and Tambrouw regions who supported us in the field,”
Dr Aksamina Yohanita of the University of Papua said.“The Vogelkop is an ancient piece of the Australian continent that has become incorporated into the island of New Guinea. Its forests may shelter yet more hidden relics of a past Australia,”
Tim FlanneryTo protect the remaining populations from the illegal wildlife trade, researchers are keeping their exact locations highly classified. Flannery delivered a stark warning to potential poachers regarding the animals’ survival in captivity: “They would be incredibly difficult to keep in captivity. because their diet is so highly specialised. Advanced warning for anyone who’s thinking of keeping one as a pet: it won’t live long,” he says.
While their rediscovery is a triumph, their future is highly uncertain. The proximity of power-hungry corporates intent on razing the rainforest for palm oil and timber casts a dark shadow over the region.
David Lindenmayer, an ecologist at the Australian National University, who was not involved in the study said “I am also hugely concerned about the extent of logging and land clearing happening in New Guinea,” he says. “It also makes me wonder what might have been lost in Australia as a result of all of the land clearing that has taken place here.”
The findings underline strong calls from scientists, environmentalists and indigenous rights advocates for Native Title legal land rights and indigenous-led protections of West Papua and its imperilled Vogelkop rainforest where these delightful marsupials are found.
Further information
Lam, L. (2026, March 6). Tiny possum and glider thought extinct for 6,000 years found in remote West Papua. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyg6p8g6yjo
Morton, A. (2026, March 6). Marsupials previously thought extinct for millennia discovered in New Guinea. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/05/marsupials-discovered-new-guinea
Woodford, J. (2026, March 5). Two marsupials believed extinct for 6000 years found alive. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2518082-two-marsupials-believed-extinct-for-6000-years-found-alive/
ENDS
Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global South America S.E. Asia India Africa West Papua & PNGGursky’s Spectral Tarsier Tarsius spectrumgurskyae
Keep readingSunda Flying Lemur Galeopterus variegatus
Keep readingWestern Parotia Parotia sefilata
Keep readingCapped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Keep readingMountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Keep reading Keep readingLearn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying Fake labels Indigenous Land-grabbing Human rights abuses Deforestation Human health hazardsA 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Read moreTake Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email address
Sign Up
Join 3,179 other subscribers2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Read moreMel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Read moreAnthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Read moreHealth Physician Dr Evan Allen
Read moreThe World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
Read moreHow do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
Read more3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20
https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20
https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Pledge your support #animalBehaviour #AnimalBiodiversityNews #animalExtinction #animalIntelligence #animalRights #biodiversity #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #deforestation #ForgottenAnimals #Marsupial #marsupials #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #PapuaNewGuinea #PapuaNewGuineaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #possum #possums #WestPapua -
Marsupials thought extinct for 6,000 years found in West Papua
In an astonishing discovery, two marsupial species believed to be extinct for 6,000 years have been rediscovered alive and well in the remote rainforests of West Papua. The pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider were located with the crucial assistance of local indigenous Vogelkop clans. However, their survival remains precarious as their habitats are increasingly threatened by logging and the expansion of the palm oil colonialism in West Papua. Laws and native title to protect this region is essential for indigenous land defenders. We musn’t let them disappear again #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Two #extinct #marsupials in #WestPapua found alive! The #marsupials highlight the need to protect #Papuan forests or they are gone for good! Resist for them and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife when you shop 🌴🙊🔥☠️🚫 @palmoildetect #Boycott4Wildlife https://wp.me/pcFhgU-iOH
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterTwo #possums thought extinct for 6000 years are alive in #WestPapua! The pygmy #possum and sacred ring-tailed #glider are #nature’s battlers who deserve a break from #palmoil ecocide. Stand with #indigenous defenders against palm oil #colonialism! 🌴🚫 @palmoildetect #BoycottPalmOil https://wp.me/pcFhgU-iOH
Share to BlueSky Share to Twitter
Two extraordinarily rare marsupials, entirely believed to have been extinct for over six thousand years, have been discovered alive in the remote, Vogelkop mountain forests of the Bird’s Head peninsula in West Papua. This remarkable rediscovery of the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider was confirmed by Australian scientist Professor Tim Flannery, alongside a team of local indigenous experts and university researchers.“More important than finding a living thylacine in Tasmania.”
Scott Hucknull from Central Queensland University describes the magnitude of the discovery.These species are rare examples of “Lazarus taxa”. Animals who disappear from the fossil record only to be found alive centuries later. Flannery noted that the likelihood of finding even one lost mammal was almost zero, let alone two.
“It’s unprecedented and groundbreaking, really, to find two Lazarus taxa,” Flannery says. “We’ve been able to finalise two pieces of work that are incredibly important from a biological and a conservation perspective, documenting the existence of rare marsupials in an area under threat. It’s sort of a crowning glory in my career as a biologist.”
The first of the resurrected species is the pygmy long-fingered possum, Dactylonax kambuayai. This tiny, striped marsupial possesses an extraordinary evolutionary trait: an elongated fourth finger on each hand that is double the length of other digits. Flannery explains that they use this finger to extract grubs from timber.
“They’ve got a whole lot of specialisations in their ear region as well, which seem to be related to detection of low-frequency sound. So presumably they’re listening for wood-boring beetle larvae, and they then rip open the rotting wood and use that finger to fish out the grub,” Flannery says.
The second species, the ring-tailed glider (Tous ayamaruensis), features unfurred ears and a strong, prehensile tail used for gripping branches. Flannery calls it “one of the most photogenic animals, most beautiful marsupials you’ll ever see.”
Crucially, the rediscovery of these elusive creatures was entirely dependent on the profound ecological knowledge of the local Tambrauw and Maybrat clans. These indigenous communities view the ring-tailed glider as deeply sacred, believing them to be manifestations of their ancestors’ spirits, and actively protect them from hunting. Rika Korain, a Maybrat woman and co-author of the research, emphasised that identifying the species relied entirely on traditional owners. “This connection has been essential,” she says.
“I’m very proud that Papuan researchers contributed to these landmark discoveries, and want to thank the people of the Misool, Maybrat and Tambrouw regions who supported us in the field,”
Dr Aksamina Yohanita of the University of Papua said.“The Vogelkop is an ancient piece of the Australian continent that has become incorporated into the island of New Guinea. Its forests may shelter yet more hidden relics of a past Australia,”
Tim FlanneryTo protect the remaining populations from the illegal wildlife trade, researchers are keeping their exact locations highly classified. Flannery delivered a stark warning to potential poachers regarding the animals’ survival in captivity: “They would be incredibly difficult to keep in captivity. because their diet is so highly specialised. Advanced warning for anyone who’s thinking of keeping one as a pet: it won’t live long,” he says.
While their rediscovery is a triumph, their future is highly uncertain. The proximity of power-hungry corporates intent on razing the rainforest for palm oil and timber casts a dark shadow over the region.
David Lindenmayer, an ecologist at the Australian National University, who was not involved in the study said “I am also hugely concerned about the extent of logging and land clearing happening in New Guinea,” he says. “It also makes me wonder what might have been lost in Australia as a result of all of the land clearing that has taken place here.”
The findings underline strong calls from scientists, environmentalists and indigenous rights advocates for Native Title legal land rights and indigenous-led protections of West Papua and its imperilled Vogelkop rainforest where these delightful marsupials are found.
Further information
Lam, L. (2026, March 6). Tiny possum and glider thought extinct for 6,000 years found in remote West Papua. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyg6p8g6yjo
Morton, A. (2026, March 6). Marsupials previously thought extinct for millennia discovered in New Guinea. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/05/marsupials-discovered-new-guinea
Woodford, J. (2026, March 5). Two marsupials believed extinct for 6000 years found alive. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2518082-two-marsupials-believed-extinct-for-6000-years-found-alive/
ENDS
Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global South America S.E. Asia India Africa West Papua & PNGGursky’s Spectral Tarsier Tarsius spectrumgurskyae
Keep readingSunda Flying Lemur Galeopterus variegatus
Keep readingWestern Parotia Parotia sefilata
Keep readingCapped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Keep readingMountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Keep reading Keep readingLearn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying Fake labels Indigenous Land-grabbing Human rights abuses Deforestation Human health hazardsA 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Read moreTake Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email address
Sign Up
Join 3,179 other subscribers2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Read moreMel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Read moreAnthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Read moreHealth Physician Dr Evan Allen
Read moreThe World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
Read moreHow do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
Read more3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20
https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20
https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Pledge your support #animalBehaviour #AnimalBiodiversityNews #animalExtinction #animalIntelligence #animalRights #biodiversity #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #deforestation #ForgottenAnimals #Marsupial #marsupials #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #PapuaNewGuinea #PapuaNewGuineaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #possum #possums #WestPapua -
Marsupials thought extinct for 6,000 years found in West Papua
In an astonishing discovery, two marsupial species believed to be extinct for 6,000 years have been rediscovered alive and well in the remote rainforests of West Papua. The pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider were located with the crucial assistance of local indigenous Vogelkop clans. However, their survival remains precarious as their habitats are increasingly threatened by logging and the expansion of the palm oil colonialism in West Papua. Laws and native title to protect this region is essential for indigenous land defenders. We musn’t let them disappear again #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Two #extinct #marsupials in #WestPapua found alive! The #marsupials highlight the need to protect #Papuan forests or they are gone for good! Resist for them and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife when you shop 🌴🙊🔥☠️🚫 @palmoildetect #Boycott4Wildlife https://wp.me/pcFhgU-iOH
Share to BlueSky Share to TwitterTwo #possums thought extinct for 6000 years are alive in #WestPapua! The pygmy #possum and sacred ring-tailed #glider are #nature’s battlers who deserve a break from #palmoil ecocide. Stand with #indigenous defenders against palm oil #colonialism! 🌴🚫 @palmoildetect #BoycottPalmOil https://wp.me/pcFhgU-iOH
Share to BlueSky Share to Twitter
Two extraordinarily rare marsupials, entirely believed to have been extinct for over six thousand years, have been discovered alive in the remote, Vogelkop mountain forests of the Bird’s Head peninsula in West Papua. This remarkable rediscovery of the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider was confirmed by Australian scientist Professor Tim Flannery, alongside a team of local indigenous experts and university researchers.“More important than finding a living thylacine in Tasmania.”
Scott Hucknull from Central Queensland University describes the magnitude of the discovery.These species are rare examples of “Lazarus taxa”. Animals who disappear from the fossil record only to be found alive centuries later. Flannery noted that the likelihood of finding even one lost mammal was almost zero, let alone two.
“It’s unprecedented and groundbreaking, really, to find two Lazarus taxa,” Flannery says. “We’ve been able to finalise two pieces of work that are incredibly important from a biological and a conservation perspective, documenting the existence of rare marsupials in an area under threat. It’s sort of a crowning glory in my career as a biologist.”
The first of the resurrected species is the pygmy long-fingered possum, Dactylonax kambuayai. This tiny, striped marsupial possesses an extraordinary evolutionary trait: an elongated fourth finger on each hand that is double the length of other digits. Flannery explains that they use this finger to extract grubs from timber.
“They’ve got a whole lot of specialisations in their ear region as well, which seem to be related to detection of low-frequency sound. So presumably they’re listening for wood-boring beetle larvae, and they then rip open the rotting wood and use that finger to fish out the grub,” Flannery says.
The second species, the ring-tailed glider (Tous ayamaruensis), features unfurred ears and a strong, prehensile tail used for gripping branches. Flannery calls it “one of the most photogenic animals, most beautiful marsupials you’ll ever see.”
Crucially, the rediscovery of these elusive creatures was entirely dependent on the profound ecological knowledge of the local Tambrauw and Maybrat clans. These indigenous communities view the ring-tailed glider as deeply sacred, believing them to be manifestations of their ancestors’ spirits, and actively protect them from hunting. Rika Korain, a Maybrat woman and co-author of the research, emphasised that identifying the species relied entirely on traditional owners. “This connection has been essential,” she says.
“I’m very proud that Papuan researchers contributed to these landmark discoveries, and want to thank the people of the Misool, Maybrat and Tambrouw regions who supported us in the field,”
Dr Aksamina Yohanita of the University of Papua said.“The Vogelkop is an ancient piece of the Australian continent that has become incorporated into the island of New Guinea. Its forests may shelter yet more hidden relics of a past Australia,”
Tim FlanneryTo protect the remaining populations from the illegal wildlife trade, researchers are keeping their exact locations highly classified. Flannery delivered a stark warning to potential poachers regarding the animals’ survival in captivity: “They would be incredibly difficult to keep in captivity. because their diet is so highly specialised. Advanced warning for anyone who’s thinking of keeping one as a pet: it won’t live long,” he says.
While their rediscovery is a triumph, their future is highly uncertain. The proximity of power-hungry corporates intent on razing the rainforest for palm oil and timber casts a dark shadow over the region.
David Lindenmayer, an ecologist at the Australian National University, who was not involved in the study said “I am also hugely concerned about the extent of logging and land clearing happening in New Guinea,” he says. “It also makes me wonder what might have been lost in Australia as a result of all of the land clearing that has taken place here.”
The findings underline strong calls from scientists, environmentalists and indigenous rights advocates for Native Title legal land rights and indigenous-led protections of West Papua and its imperilled Vogelkop rainforest where these delightful marsupials are found.
Further information
Lam, L. (2026, March 6). Tiny possum and glider thought extinct for 6,000 years found in remote West Papua. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyg6p8g6yjo
Morton, A. (2026, March 6). Marsupials previously thought extinct for millennia discovered in New Guinea. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/05/marsupials-discovered-new-guinea
Woodford, J. (2026, March 5). Two marsupials believed extinct for 6000 years found alive. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2518082-two-marsupials-believed-extinct-for-6000-years-found-alive/
ENDS
Learn about other animals endangered by palm oil and other agriculture
Global South America S.E. Asia India Africa West Papua & PNGGursky’s Spectral Tarsier Tarsius spectrumgurskyae
Keep readingSunda Flying Lemur Galeopterus variegatus
Keep readingWestern Parotia Parotia sefilata
Keep readingCapped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus
Keep readingMountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque
Keep reading Keep readingLearn about “sustainable” palm oil greenwashing
Read more about RSPO greenwashing
Lying Fake labels Indigenous Land-grabbing Human rights abuses Deforestation Human health hazardsA 2019 World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the palm oil industry and RSPO finds extensive greenwashing of palm oil deforestation and the murder of endangered animals (i.e. biodiversity loss)
Read moreTake Action in Five Ways
1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Enter your email address
Sign Up
Join 3,179 other subscribers2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.
Read moreMel Lumby: Dedicated Devotee to Borneo’s Living Beings
Read moreAnthropologist and Author Dr Sophie Chao
Read moreHealth Physician Dr Evan Allen
Read moreThe World’s Most Loved Cup: A Social, Ethical & Environmental History of Coffee by Aviary Doert
Read moreHow do we stop the world’s ecosystems from going into a death spiral? A #SteadyState Economy
Read more3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.
https://twitter.com/CuriousApe4/status/1526136783557529600?s=20
https://twitter.com/PhillDixon1/status/1749010345555788144?s=20
https://twitter.com/mugabe139/status/1678027567977078784?s=20
4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.
5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here
Pledge your support #animalBehaviour #AnimalBiodiversityNews #animalExtinction #animalIntelligence #animalRights #biodiversity #Boycott4wildlife #BoycottPalmOil #deforestation #ForgottenAnimals #Marsupial #marsupials #PalmOil #palmOilDeforestation #PapuaNewGuinea #PapuaNewGuineaSpeciesEndangeredByPalmOilDeforestation #possum #possums #WestPapua -
Stop rampant approvals of fossil fuel projects in the age of climate consequences
"I’m not exaggerating when I say if we don’t stop this rampant approval of fossil fuel projects, by 2073 we’ll be living through the large-scale destruction of ecosystems and will have breached multiple tipping points, leading to the collapse of our food systems and hellish heat and fires." Professor Tim Flannery
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/09/our-environmental-laws-are-failing-us-in-the-face-of-the-climate-crisis
#FossilFuels #Australia #RealityDenial #TheScienceIsClear #destruction #biodiversity #extinction makers -
Stop rampant approvals of fossil fuel projects in the age of climate consequences
"I’m not exaggerating when I say if we don’t stop this rampant approval of fossil fuel projects, by 2073 we’ll be living through the large-scale destruction of ecosystems and will have breached multiple tipping points, leading to the collapse of our food systems and hellish heat and fires." Professor Tim Flannery
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/09/our-environmental-laws-are-failing-us-in-the-face-of-the-climate-crisis
#FossilFuels #Australia #RealityDenial #TheScienceIsClear #destruction #biodiversity #extinction makers -
Stop rampant approvals of fossil fuel projects in the age of climate consequences
"I’m not exaggerating when I say if we don’t stop this rampant approval of fossil fuel projects, by 2073 we’ll be living through the large-scale destruction of ecosystems and will have breached multiple tipping points, leading to the collapse of our food systems and hellish heat and fires." Professor Tim Flannery
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/09/our-environmental-laws-are-failing-us-in-the-face-of-the-climate-crisis
#FossilFuels #Australia #RealityDenial #TheScienceIsClear #destruction #biodiversity #extinction makers -
Stop rampant approvals of fossil fuel projects in the age of climate consequences
"I’m not exaggerating when I say if we don’t stop this rampant approval of fossil fuel projects, by 2073 we’ll be living through the large-scale destruction of ecosystems and will have breached multiple tipping points, leading to the collapse of our food systems and hellish heat and fires." Professor Tim Flannery
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/09/our-environmental-laws-are-failing-us-in-the-face-of-the-climate-crisis
#FossilFuels #Australia #RealityDenial #TheScienceIsClear #destruction #biodiversity #extinction makers -
Stop rampant approvals of fossil fuel projects in the age of climate consequences
"I’m not exaggerating when I say if we don’t stop this rampant approval of fossil fuel projects, by 2073 we’ll be living through the large-scale destruction of ecosystems and will have breached multiple tipping points, leading to the collapse of our food systems and hellish heat and fires." Professor Tim Flannery
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/09/our-environmental-laws-are-failing-us-in-the-face-of-the-climate-crisis
#FossilFuels #Australia #RealityDenial #TheScienceIsClear #destruction #biodiversity #extinction makers -
Art | awe wonder
.Land of the free 🟦
.Home of the brave 🟨# OnTyranny
#America |
Timothy Snyder
__ https:// youtube .com/watch?v=CLJihII6P6kHello
#NEWS
‘Holding the Line - The Battle for KostiantynivkaProfessor Tim Wilson __
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuIAWFPsboY -
The hot new web site of the Economic History Society of Australia & New Zealand
https://sites.google.com/hawaii.edu/economichistorysocietyofaustra/home includes details of the next Australia-Pacific Economic & Business History Conference, at Monash University Feb 6-7 2025
Professor Tim Hatton will give the Noel Butlin lecture
@economics @demography @socialscience @sociology @politicalscience @geography @anthropology @econhist @devecon @archaeodons @sts @SocArXivBot #history #histodons #glamsdons #Australia #NZ #Kikorangi #nzpol #Auspol #Asia -
Watch "The military power station" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/_63OYuSAMcQ?si=aKNISrraKT2Hj-BV
#Sizewell
#Nuclear
#DirectedEnergyWeapons
#Plasma
#ProfessorSimonHolland
#OrfordNess
#RADAR
#Science -
Reflections on Ancient Roman food and wine — Il Globo https://www.diningandcooking.com/2130861/reflections-on-ancient-roman-food-and-wine-il-globo/ #AncientRome #HellenicMuseum #Italia #Italian #ItalianFood #ItalianFoodRecipes #ItalianRecipes #ItalianWine #italiano #italy #NationalArchaeologyWeek #ProfessorTamaraLewit. #unimelb