Researchers Discover Three Previously Unknown Species of Prehistoric Kangaroo—including One Standing over 6.6 Feet Tall
Researchers have uncovered three newly identified species of colossal kangaroo that roamed the Earth between 5 million and 40,000 years ago. Among them is a giant kangaroo towering over twice the size of modern-day kangaroos.
Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter to stay updated on the latest news about fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements, and more.
Scientists have recently discovered three new species of giant kangaroo that roamed the Earth between 5 million and 40,000 years ago. One of these species is approximately double the size of the largest kangaroos we see today.
Giant kangaroos from the genus Protemnodon have been found to show more variation in shape, range, and hopping techniques than previously believed, according to a statement from Flinders University in South Australia.
The research, which was published in the journal Megataxa on Monday, was based on the discovery of complete fossil skeletons by paleontologists working in Lake Callabonna in southern Australia. This discovery allowed a team led by Isaac Kerr, a paleontologist at Flinders University, to finally address long-standing questions about Protemnodon.
Volunteers on the archeological dig in Lake Callabonna, South Australia
Volunteers on the archeological dig in Lake Callabonna, South Australia
Although Protemnodon fossils are quite common in Australia, our knowledge of these creatures was limited because the fossils were mainly individual bones instead of complete animals.
The researchers stated that while the kangaroos from the past may have appeared similar to today's kangaroos, they were more compact and had stronger muscles.
Additionally, the researchers mentioned that the three newly identified species would have had unique hopping styles and would have adapted to various environments for survival.
One species – P. viator – would have weighed up to 170 kilograms (375 pounds), making it around twice as heavy as the largest male red kangaroos living today.
Lead study author Isaac Kerr is pictured with kangaroo fossil.
Lead study author Isaac Kerr is pictured with kangaroo fossil.
Flinders University
The largest specimens, as explained by Kerr to CNN on Monday, would have reached over 2 meters (6.6 feet) in height.
Kerr further described the creature as having narrow feet, relatively short thighbones, and long shinbones, similar in proportion to the red and grey kangaroos we see today. It was built for quick and efficient hopping.
He added that this capability would have allowed it to easily navigate between food and water sources in its dry central Australian habitat.
Kerr explained to CNN that the kangaroo's name, "viator," translates to traveler or wayfarer in Latin. He mentioned that these kangaroos likely moved in large groups called "mobs," similar to how red and grey kangaroos still do today.
Thylacoleo carnifex, also known as the ‘marsupial lion,’ was likely the main predator of these animals. This now-extinct creature, similar in size to a large dog, was an ambush predator known for hunting kangaroos.
Seven News Australia/Mildura Martial Arts via ViralHog
video
Related video
Man faces off with ‘jacked’ kangaroo holding his dog under water
Two additional species recently identified are P. mamkurra and P. dawsonae. According to Kerr, P. mamkurra likely moved mainly on four legs, known as being quadrupedal, rather than hopping on two.
Kerr stated that the extinct kangaroo species, Procoptodon goliah, was large in size with thick bones, suggesting that it may have been slow-moving and inefficient. It is believed that this kangaroo may have only hopped occasionally, possibly when startled.
In contrast, there is limited information available about Procoptodon dawsonae due to the scarcity of fossils for researchers to analyze. However, based on the available evidence, it is speculated that P. dawsonae was a "mid-speed hopper."
The paper highlights how Protemnodon was able to thrive in different environments.
Kerr mentioned in the statement that various species of Protemnodon lived in a wide range of habitats, from dry central Australia to the lush, rainy mountains of Tasmania and New Guinea.
Traditional Owner Ian Waina inspecting a painting of a kangaroo that we now know is more than 12,700 years old, based on the age of overlying mud wasp nests.
Traditional Owner Ian Waina inspecting a painting of a kangaroo that we now know is more than 12,700 years old, based on the age of overlying mud wasp nests.
Peter Veth, Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation, Pauline Heaney, Damien Finch
Related article
Australia's oldest known rock art is a kangaroo painting that dates back over 17,000 years, according to scientists.
By around 40,000 years ago, Protemnodon had already become extinct on mainland Australia, despite the variations among the different species.
This extinction event did not impact wallaroos and grey kangaroos, although scientists are unsure of the exact reasons why.
The researchers are optimistic that this study will help to shed light on the reasons behind this occurrence, and will aid in future research efforts.
Kerr is planning a trip to Papua New Guinea for a paleontological dig, which he mentioned to CNN as the first one in over 40 years. He is excited about the opportunity to explore a formation where a species called Protemnodon otibandus is believed to be present.
During the dig, Kerr is hoping to uncover a complete skull of this fascinating species.
Editor's P/S:
The discovery of three new species of giant kangaroos that roamed the Earth millions of years ago is a testament to the incredible diversity and adaptability of the animal kingdom. These kangaroos, which were significantly larger and more varied than their modern counterparts, provide a glimpse into the complex evolutionary history of Australia's unique marsupial fauna.
The study's findings not only shed light on the remarkable adaptations of these ancient kangaroos but also raise intriguing questions about their extinction. While the reasons for their disappearance remain uncertain, the researchers speculate that environmental changes and the arrival of humans may have played a role. Future research will undoubtedly delve deeper into these mysteries and enhance our understanding of the dynamic ecosystems of the past.
