The Ring-Tailed Glider: Back From the Dead

A marsupial native to New Guinea and Australia, thought to have been extinct for 6,000 years, was discovered by biologists Tim Flannery and Kristofer Helgen in 2026. The discovery was made in West Papua on March 26th, 2026. It is extremely endangered because of the mass deforestation of Papua New Guinea and West Papua.

The ring-tailed glider is part of the genus Tous, which was only ever known because of fossils that scientists have uncovered. As a result of finding only fossils of this lost genus, it was considered extinct. Although many sightings were reported in 2015, scientists had actually found one until now. (2026.) The genus Tous can be recognized by its tiny size, small, ring-like ears, and curling, thin tail.

The ring-tailed glider is nocturnal, eating trees, sap, and possibly bugs and fruit. They also give birth once a year. (In their mature, adult state, of course.) Not much else is known about this species other than what was just listed. The species is currently being studied, so more information about the species can be expected soon on the Australian Museum records website, which is where the discovery’s details are noted.

Works Cited:

https://australian.museum/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tous_(mammal)