Australian scientists have found fossil traces of a “mythical beast that lived on the continent tens of thousands of years ago. It was a carnivorous marsupial similar to a koala.
The hunting koala is a character in a popular Australian legend. Unlike cute modern koalas, it is described in folklore as an unusually large and vicious creature, hiding in trees and attacking humans from there.
For a long time, koala hunting was considered a myth, but new research has shown that such a species could exist in reality. Paleontologists have discovered fossils of carnivorous marsupials similar to koalas and are now completely extinct. Modern koalas are the closest relatives of these predators.
This species is scientifically named Thylacoleo Carnifex. It appeared about 126 thousand years ago and disappeared during one of the extinctions 40 thousand years ago. At this time, a significant part of the planet's giant animals became extinct, and Australia lost almost 90% of its animals weighing more than 44 kg. This period coincided with the arrival of humans on the continent and greatly influenced Australia's biodiversity.
In the study, scientists used a new method to identify species based on collagen proteins in fossils. With its help, it is possible to trace the evolutionary history of some of Australia's extinct giant animals.
The results showed that Thylacoleo is the koala's closest relative. Scientists expressed hope that further research using the new method will allow them to clearly determine the cause of the mass extinction, report Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Previously, the oldest crocodile eggshell was found in Australia. It belongs to an unusual species of extinct reptile. Scientists believe that this crocodile knows how to climb trees.
