Introduction
A new species of marsupial has been discovered in the Northern Territory of Australia. The species, named Planigale petrophila, or the Arnhem Plateau planigale, is a small carnivore similar to a mouse and received its scientific name due to its rocky habitat.
What are Planigales?
Planigales are the world’s smallest marsupials, with some weighing just a couple of grams. Until recently, only seven species were recognized, six of them in Australia and one on the island of New Guinea. Previous research has suggested that the Planigale ingrami, one of the known Australian species, may actually consist of several different species.
The Discovery of the New Species
In the latest study, researchers examined specimens historically labeled as P. ingrami held across museums in Australia and collected DNA from more than 220 such specimens. They showed that planigales long classified as P. ingrami represent four distinct species, including the previously recognized P. tealei. One of them is the Arnhem Plateau planigale, the largest of the four, with dark-gray fur and the longest tail.
Characteristics and Habitat
The Arnhem Plateau planigale is known from just three specimens: two males and one female. All three were collected within 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) of each other on the plateau. The species appears to be rare among Australian planigales because, so far, only three specimens have ever been found, and it is known only from a small area of the sandstone plateau and rocky slopes in Kakadu National Park.
Conclusion
The discovery of the Arnhem Plateau planigale highlights the importance of conservation and study of the rarest and least known species. There is still much to be learned about this new species and its habitat, and efforts should be made to protect this and other unique species of Australia.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay