Discovery of a Giant Kangaroo's Existence
July 12, 09:02
Research led by Dr. Lucas Kungulos from the University of Western Australia has revealed that the extinct giant kangaroo species Protemnodon tumbuna persisted in northern New Guinea until about 6,000 years ago. This finding challenges the prevailing theory that all megafauna in Australia and New Guinea died out simultaneously between 20,000 and 50,000 years ago.
The species Protemnodon tumbuna was first documented by Western science in 1983. It was roughly the size of a modern red kangaroo. While Protemnodon tumbuna disappeared from Australia around 20,000 to 50,000 years ago, new evidence suggests its members may have survived in northern New Guinea until as recently as 6,000 years ago. Fossils of Protemnodon tumbuna discovered at the Nombe rock shelter in the highlands of eastern Papua New Guinea indicate these animals lived there between 22,000 and 27,000 years ago.
Analysis and New Discoveries
Analysis of the isotopic composition of tooth enamel from Protemnodon specimens in Central Queensland shows that the average individual home range of the animal was about 11.6 square kilometers, which may point to unique aspects of their lifestyle and ecology. In 2024, a single tooth of Protemnodon tumbuna was found in Lachitu Cave on the northwestern coast of Papua New Guinea, dated to 18,000 years ago or earlier.
Additionally, in 2004, archaeological excavations at Taora, located west of Lachitu, uncovered a collection of animal remains. Around 6,800 years ago, sea levels dropped to a minimum, after which this region saw intensive human use. Over the following 1,500 years, people accumulated a dense deposit of bones, shells, and hundreds of small bone points.
Beyond Protemnodon tumbuna, scientists from Flinders University in Australia announced in 2024 the discovery of three new species of ancient giant kangaroos, including Protemnodon viator, which was twice the size of modern kangaroos. This research opens new avenues for understanding the evolution and extinction of megafauna in Australia and New Guinea.
The discovery that Protemnodon tumbuna existed until 6,000 years ago is significant for studying evolutionary processes and the interactions between megafauna and humans in ancient times.
It also underscores the importance of regional studies in understanding species extinctions, as different ecosystems may have had unique conditions influencing animal survival. Ongoing research continues to expand knowledge about biodiversity and ancient ecology, opening new horizons for scientific inquiry in this field.
As researchers continue to uncover fascinating insights into ancient species, another remarkable discovery has emerged from New Zealand. A newly found ancestor of the Kakapo, dating back one million years, sheds light on the evolutionary history of this unique bird. To explore more about this intriguing find and its implications for our understanding of extinct fauna, check out the details in our article on the ancient Kakapo ancestor.