New Koala Species Discovered in Western Australia Cave Fossil

A fossilized koala skull with dimples, found in a cave in Margaret River, Western Australia, led to the identification of a new species, Phascolarctos sulcomaxilliaris. The skull was donated to the Western Australian Museum in 2024. Researchers, including paleontologist Kenny Travouillon, examined 98 bones from the museum's collection and compared them with modern koala skeletons using skull and tooth measurements. The Western Australian koalas had shorter heads, thinner bones, less muscle, and larger teeth, suggesting a different chewing method and less agility. They likely went extinct about 28,000 years ago due to a major climate event that made the region drier and colder, leading to forest loss. The study was published in Royal Society Open Science on May 6. Tim Flannery, a paleontologist at the Australian Museum in Sydney, called the findings convincing and hopes for DNA extraction. The authors emphasize the importance of protecting eastern eucalypt forests for the survival of modern koalas.