New Species of Giant Fossil Kangaroos Discovered in Australia and New Guinea

Paleontologists uncover three new species of extinct giant kangaroos, revealing diversity in size and hopping mechanics.

Three newly identified species of Protemnodon kangaroos offer insights into the diversity of ancient megafauna in Australia and New Guinea.
The largest species, Protemnodon viator, weighed up to 170 kg and was adapted for long-distance hopping in arid environments.
Protemnodon mamkurra, a robust and possibly quadrupedal species, shows adaptations for slower, less efficient movement.
Fossil discoveries at Lake Callabonna provide crucial evidence, helping scientists piece together the life of these extinct kangaroos.
Further research is needed to understand why these species went extinct approximately 40,000 years ago, while other similar species survived.