A new species of marsupial, closely related to the kangaroo, has been identified through fossil evidence from caves in the Nullarbor and southwest Australia. Researchers from Curtin University, the Western Australian Museum, and Murdoch University revealed the discovery of a previously unknown bettong species, along with two new subspecies of the woylie.

Tragically, the newly identified species is already believed to be extinct.

The Role of Woylies in the Ecosystem

Woylies, also known as brush-tailed bettongs, are small marsupials native to Western Australia. Despite their size, they play an outsized role in the environment. By digging for fungi, their preferred food, woylies turn over several tonnes of soil each year, helping to aerate the ground and disperse spores.

They are also Australia’s most translocated mammal, regularly moved between habitats as part of conservation efforts to save the critically endangered species.

Fossils Reveal Hidden Diversity

Lead author Mr Jake Newman-Martin, a PhD student in Curtin’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences, explained that the study sheds light on the overlooked diversity of woylies.

“Woylies are critically endangered marsupials that have been the focus of conservation efforts for decades,” Mr Newman-Martin 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.

“Our results split the critically endangered woylie into two living subspecies, which is very important for conservation when we’re considering breeding and translocation initiatives to increase the size and fitness of populations.”

Fossils and Genetics: A Powerful Partnership

Co-author Dr Kenny Travouillon, Curator of Terrestrial Zoology at the Western Australian Museum, said the study relied on fossil analysis to distinguish different species and subspecies.

“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,” Dr Travouillon said.

“What we’ve found through this research tells us that examining fossils alongside genetic tools could offer significant insights that may help conservation efforts of this critically endangered native species.”

Naming and Cultural Collaboration

The new Nullarbor species has been given the scientific name Bettongia haoucharae. However, researchers have committed to working with Indigenous communities to establish a collaborative name. The term “woylie” itself comes from the Noongar language.

A Global Collaboration

The study drew on specimens from numerous institutions, including the Western Australian Museum, South Australia Museum, Australian Museum, Queensland Museum, Museums Victoria, Flinders University research collection, as well as international collections at the Natural History Museum in London and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Summary of Findings

• Researchers identified a new extinct bettong species and two new subspecies of woylies.
• Fossil analysis revealed the hidden diversity of these marsupials, some of which disappeared before being scientifically recognised.
• The critically endangered woylie is now split into two living subspecies—vital knowledge for future conservation and breeding programs.
• Fossils combined with genetic tools provide powerful insights into species diversity and survival.

The new species, Bettongia haoucharae, will be renamed in consultation with Indigenous communities.

Original Publication
Authors: JAKE NEWMAN-MARTIN, KENNY J. TRAVOUILLON, NATALIE WARBURTON, MILO BARHAM and ALISON J. BLYTH.
Journal: Zootaxa
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5690.1.1
Method of Research: Observational study
Subject of Research: Animals
Article Title: A taxonomic revision of the Bettongia penicillata (Diprotodontia: Potoroidae) species complex and description of the subfossil species Bettongia haoucharae sp. nov.
Article Publication Date: 4-Sep-2025
COI Statement: N/A

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