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2 'Extinct' Tiny Creatures Found Alive After 7,000 Years
Scientists rediscover two marsupial species thought to have vanished millennia ago in the forests of New Guinea.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:20pm
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Scientists have confirmed the existence of two tiny marsupial species - the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider - that were previously believed to have gone extinct over 7,000 years ago. The discovery, announced by The Bishop Museum in Honolulu, was made possible through a collaboration between museum scientists, Indigenous communities, and a citizen scientist.
Why it matters
The rediscovery of these 'Lazarus species' - organisms that reappear after being presumed extinct - is an unprecedented event that challenges assumptions about the permanence of extinction and offers hope for the conservation of other endangered species.
The details
The two marsupial species were first identified through fossil evidence in the 1990s, but had not been confirmed alive until recently. Dr. Kristofer Helgen of the Bishop Museum recognized one of the species in a photograph taken by citizen scientist Carlos Bocos, spurring further research. Over the past two years, Helgen and Dr. Tim Flannery of the Australian Museum have gathered multiple lines of evidence, including preserved specimens, to confirm the survival of both the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider in the forests of New Guinea.
- The fossils of the two species were first discovered in the 1990s.
- The Bishop Museum announced the rediscovery of the two species on March 5, 2026.
The players
Dr. Ken Aplin
An archaeologist who first identified the two marsupial species through fossil evidence in the 1990s.
Dr. Kristofer Helgen
A scientist at the Bishop Museum who recognized one of the species in a photograph, sparking further research.
Dr. Tim Flannery
A scientist at the Australian Museum who collaborated with Helgen on the research to confirm the survival of the two species.
Carlos Bocos
A citizen scientist who posted photographs of the pygmy long-fingered possum on the biodiversity platform iNaturalist, contributing to the confirmation of the species' existence.
The Bishop Museum
A museum in Honolulu, Hawaii that announced the rediscovery of the two 'Lazarus species' in March 2026.
What they’re saying
“To be able to say that they indeed are alive brings me joy as a scientist and conservationist. It feels like a second chance to learn about, and protect, these remarkable animals.”
— Dr. Kristofer Helgen, Scientist, Bishop Museum (Bishop Museum press release)
“The discovery of two Lazarus species, thought to be extinct for millennia, is unprecedented.”
— Dr. Tim Flannery, Scientist, Australian Museum (Bishop Museum press release)
“Extinction can be averted. It's a message of hope, one of second chances.”
— Dr. Kristofer Helgen, Scientist, Bishop Museum (Bishop Museum press release)
What’s next
The scientists plan to continue studying the two rediscovered marsupial species to learn more about their biology, behavior, and conservation needs.
The takeaway
The rediscovery of these 'Lazarus species' after thousands of years demonstrates that extinction is not always permanent and offers hope for the survival of other endangered species, provided that conservation efforts are undertaken.
