Paleontologists from Flinders University have unveiled three new species of giant fossil kangaroos from Australia and New Guinea, challenging previous notions of their diversity in shape, range, and hopping method. These discoveries shed light on the extinct genus Protemnodon, which roamed the Earth from approximately 5 million to 40,000 years ago, with one species even surpassing the size of today’s largest red kangaroo.
The breakthrough research stemmed from the unearthing of complete fossil kangaroo skeletons at Lake Callabonna in arid South Australia over recent years. Lead researcher Dr. Isaac Kerr, leveraging these exceptional finds, delved into untangling a nearly century-and-a-half-old puzzle surrounding Protemnodon species identities.
Published in Meataxe, the study scrutinized all known Protemnodon species, revealing significant differences among them. These kangaroos exhibited diverse adaptations to various environments and distinct hopping techniques. While resembling gray kangaroos in appearance, Protemnodon species varied greatly in size, with one newly identified species, Protemnodon viator, towering at a weight of up to 170 kg—twice the size of the largest male red kangaroos.
Protemnodon viator, aptly named “viator” meaning “traveler,” thrived in arid central Australia, boasting long limbs for efficient hopping. Alongside this giant, two other new species emerged: Protemnodon mamkurra and Protemnodon dawsonae. The former, characterized by its robust build, likely moved at a slower pace, whereas the latter remains shrouded in mystery, reminiscent of a mid-speed hopper akin to a swamp wallaby.
Dr. Kerr’s exhaustive study involved combing through fossil collections across multiple museums worldwide, amassing a wealth of data to delineate these ancient kangaroos’ characteristics and behaviors. The findings, encapsulated in a comprehensive 261-page study, mark a significant stride in understanding the enigmatic Protemnodon genus.
Despite their widespread presence in the fossil record, Protemnodon remains have typically been found in isolation, hindering comprehensive analysis. However, this latest research offers clarity on species identities, paving the way for more confident studies of these intriguing creatures. As researchers delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding Protemnodon, further insights into their extinction and ecological dynamics await discovery.