Scientists have discovered a previously unknown species of bettong, a small marsupial related to the kangaroo, through analysis of ancient fossils from caves in western Australia. The find includes two new subspecies of the critically endangered woylie, highlighting lost biodiversity. These discoveries underscore the urgency of conservation efforts for remaining populations.
Researchers from Curtin University, the Western Australian Museum, and Murdoch University examined fossils recovered from caves in the Nullarbor region and southwest Australia. Their work revealed a new species of bettong, named Bettongia haoucharae, based on detailed measurements of skull and body bones. Additionally, they identified two new subspecies of woylie, also known as brush-tailed bettong, splitting the existing classification to better inform protection strategies.
Woylies serve as vital ecosystem engineers in western Australia, shifting several tonnes of soil annually while foraging for fungi. As the nation's most translocated mammal, they have been central to decades-long conservation programs due to their critically endangered status. Lead author Jake Newman-Martin, a PhD student at Curtin University's School of Molecular and Life Sciences, noted the bittersweet nature of the findings. "Woylies are critically endangered marsupials that have been the focus of conservation efforts for decades," he said. "In this new research, we've named a completely new species based on fossil material, and two new subspecies of woylies for the first time. Sadly, many of them have become extinct before we've even been aware of them."
The study emphasized how such fossil analysis, combined with genetic tools, can enhance efforts to bolster woylie populations through targeted breeding and translocation. Co-author Dr. Kenny Travouillon, curator of terrestrial zoology at the Western Australian Museum, highlighted the expanded understanding of woylie diversity. "This research confirmed several distinct species and expanded the known diversity of woylies by measuring skull and body fossil material that had previously not been looked at in detail," he explained. The team plans to collaborate with Indigenous groups to develop a culturally appropriate name for the new species, recognizing that "woylie" is a Noongar term.
Specimens from collections at institutions including the South Australia Museum, Australian Museum, and Natural History Museum in London supported the revisions. Published in Zootaxa in 2025, the research calls for integrating fossil evidence into ongoing wildlife preservation.
