Millions of years ago, Australia and New Guinea were home to giant animals known as megafauna. These creatures were much larger versions of modern animals. One example is the Megalania, a four-meter goanna that likely ambushed its prey. However, most of the megafauna, including the Megalania, disappeared around 40,000 years ago. Some of the extinct kangaroo species were also massive, such as the three-meter-tall Procoptodon goliah.
In a recent study, researchers describe three new species of extinct kangaroos called Protemnodon. These kangaroos were similar to the grey and red kangaroos we know today, but little was known about their lives. The researchers collected data from 800 specimens found in museums and conducted expeditions to Lake Callabonna in Australia, where they discovered complete skeletons of giant kangaroos and other megafauna.
The study revealed that there are seven species of Protemnodon, each adapted to different environments and with unique ways of hopping. One species, Protemnodon viator, was a large kangaroo well-adapted to the arid central Australian habitat. It could hop long distances due to its muscular and narrow hind limbs. Another species, Protemnodon mamkurra, was likely slow-moving and inefficient, possibly hopping only when startled. The third species, Protemnodon dawsonae, was a woodland-dwelling kangaroo and the probable ancestor of P. viator and P. mamkurra.
Despite their differences, all Protemnodon species became extinct around 40,000 years ago. The reasons for their extinction remain unknown, but further research may shed light on their lives and the factors that led to their demise.
