Two new bandicoot species found in museum collections
A decade-long study of museum specimens has uncovered two previously unrecognized bandicoot species and expanded the known range of the quenda, also known as the southeastern brown bandicoot. The research reshapes understanding of Australia's native mammal group, the genus Isoodon. Об этом пишет сайт Phys.org.
The findings, published in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy, are based on examination of hundreds of historical and modern specimens from museums worldwide. Among the most significant discoveries is the little brown bandicoot, a new species from South Australia believed to have gone extinct around a century ago. Specimens had sat unnoticed in museum drawers for generations.
The study also revealed that the New Guinea brown bandicoot, previously considered a subspecies, is a distinct species. In addition, researchers identified several new subspecies: two of the golden bandicoot, four of the quenda, and one of the northern brown bandicoot from Cape York in Queensland.
The quenda, long considered a Western Australian species, was found to have historically lived around Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, and the Nuyts Archipelago. For the southern brown bandicoot, the revised distribution suggests its range is more restricted, potentially increasing its conservation risk.
Lead researcher Travouillon noted that while discovering a new living species is cause for celebration, identifying an extinct one is sobering—it is a reminder that a unique mammal disappeared before science even recognized it.
