New Giant Kangaroo Species Unearthed by Australian Researchers

April 15, 2024
New Giant Kangaroo Species Unearthed by Australian Researchers
  • Flinders University researchers have discovered three new extinct species of giant kangaroo in southern Australia.

  • The species, named Protemnodon viator, Protemnodon mamkurra, and Protemnodon dawsonae, were identified from complete fossil skeletons.

  • Study findings suggest these ancient kangaroos had diverse shapes, geographic ranges, and hopping behaviors.

  • The largest species, Protemnodon viator, could weigh up to 375 pounds and traveled in large groups.

  • Fossil evidence indicates these kangaroos adapted to various habitats, from deserts to forested mountains.

  • Lead paleontologist Isaac Kerr is planning further excavations in Papua New Guinea to study Protemnodon's regional presence.

  • The research aims to shed light on the extinct Protemnodon species and the evolutionary response of giant kangaroos to environmental changes.

Summary based on 8 sources


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