[ad_1]
Steven Kuiter Marsupial
Australian scientists have made a surprising discovery that gives long-term hope for the survival of marsupial species.
According to a new study published in Nature’s Scientific reports Journal, scientists have discovered two new species of marsupial gliders in northern and central Australia
“Australia’s biodiversity just got a lot richer,” Andrew Krockenberger, a professor at James Cook University and co-author of the study, said in a news release. “It’s not every day that new mammals are confirmed, let alone two new mammals.”
Scientists previously suspected the glider was of different species due to differences in their size, color and physiology. However, there has never been enough evidence.
“It changes the way we think about them,” said JCU Ph.D. student Denise McGregor, who was also part of the study.
RELATED: Report says more than 5,000 koalas died in Australian bushfires, calls for endangered species to be declared
Greater gliders, the original marsupial species, grow up to two feet in length, eat only eucalyptus leaves, and live in forests along the Great Dividing Range from northern Queensland to southern Victoria. Although once considered common, they are now listed as “vulnerable,” with their numbers declining, according to the study.
The recently discovered northern species is the smallest of the glider clan and grows to about a foot in length. It lives in the eucalyptus forests between Mackay and Cairns in Queensland. Meanwhile, the newly discovered central species lives in southern Queensland as far as Mackay and is among the other two species in size, the study shows.
Denise McGregor Marsupial species
RELATED: 4-year-old whale found entangled off Jersey Shore months after mom was spotted severely entangled
Dr Kara Youngentob, co-author of the Australian National University (ANU), said in the press release that the discovery of the marsupial species is essential for conservation management, citing the devastating Australian bushfires that have killed millions of animals, including marsupials. .
“Australia experienced a season of forest fires of unprecedented severity this year, leading to widespread habitat loss and mortality. As a result, there has been a greater focus on understanding genetic diversity and the structure of plants. species to protect resilience in the face of climate change, “Youngentob said.
According to the study, the conservation status of the greater glider is being revalued in the aftermath of the forest fires.
Source link
