Tiny possum and glider thought extinct for 6000 years found in remote West Papua
Two species, a pygmy long-fingered possum and a ring-tailed glider, thought to have been extinct for a staggering 6,000 years, have been rediscovered in the remote rainforests of West Papua. This "Lazarus taxon" event is a rare scientific triumph, highlighting the Earth's hidden biodiversity and the critical role of indigenous knowledge in discovery. However, the story also sparks serious discussion on Hacker News about the fraught geopolitical situation and human rights issues in the very region where these marvels were found.
The Lowdown
In a scientific discovery described as "remarkable" and "exceptional," researchers have announced the rediscovery of two mammal species in West Papua that were believed to have been extinct for six millennia. These 'Lazarus taxon' finds underscore the unexplored biodiversity in some of the world's most remote regions and the importance of ecological preservation.
- Pygmy Long-Fingered Possum: This striped marsupial, weighing about 200g, vanished from Australia during the Ice Age. Its distinctive feature is an elongated fourth finger on each hand, used to extract wood-boring insect larvae, its primary food source.
- Ring-Tailed Glider: Similar to its Australian relatives, this glider inhabits the hollows of tall trees.
- Discovery Process: Scientists painstakingly pieced together clues from decades-old fossils, rare photographs, and old specimens. Crucially, they collaborated with local elders from the Tambrauw and Maybrat clans, whose traditional knowledge proved indispensable for identifying the species.
- Habitat and Threat: Both species were found thriving in the remote rainforests of New Guinea. However, their habitat is increasingly threatened by logging. Efforts are underway to secure native title for these forests, aiming to protect them from unchecked exploitation.
The simultaneous discovery of two species thought lost for so long is a testament to nature's resilience and the invaluable contributions of indigenous communities to scientific understanding, even as it shines a light on the ongoing threats to these pristine environments.
The Gossip
Remarkable Rediscoveries & Remote Regions
Many commenters expressed awe and surprise at the discovery of species thought extinct, highlighting the incredible biodiversity of remote areas like Papua. Users mused that such discoveries are less surprising given the region's isolated and largely unexplored nature, suggesting more unexpected finds might emerge from these 'insane' and unspoiled interiors.
West Papua's Woes: Geopolitics and Exploitation
The discussion quickly pivoted from biological discovery to the grim sociopolitical reality of West Papua. Commenters detailed the region's 'violent occupation' by Indonesia, alleging systematic ethnic cleansing, cultural erasure, and ecocide driven by corporate exploitation, particularly concerning the US-owned Grasberg Mine. Several users pointed out the complicity of Western powers (US, Britain, France) acting through Indonesia to extract resources, turning the scientific marvel into a talking point about human rights and geopolitical injustice.
Grammatical Quandaries
A significant thread emerged debating the headline's phrasing, 'thought extinct for 6000 years.' Some users found it grammatically awkward, suggesting alternatives like 'thought to have gone extinct' or 'considered extinct.' Others defended it as perfectly acceptable in British English, a common stylistic choice to omit the infinitive 'to be,' or as a typical construction in 'Headlinese' for brevity.