The Tous is a newly rediscovered species of gliding marsupial that was recently found by a plantation worker in the rainforests of Indonesian Papua. These marsupials were once thought to be extinct for about 6,000 years. They are threatened by habitat loss and destruction at the hands of farming, ranching, and deforestation from logging. While not yet evaluated by the IUCN, they face extreme pressures from the above mentioned loss of suitable habitat.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Tous ayamaruensis
Weight: Up to 11 ounces
Length: Up to 14+/- inches, including the tail
Lifespan: Unknown
Now on to the Facts!
1.) There are approximately 6,800 mammalian species known.
2.) These critters are considered a Lazarus species.
3.) A Lazarus species refers to a phenomenon in paleontology and biology where an organism disappears from the fossil record for a significant period—often millions of years—only to reappear later in the fossil record or be discovered alive in the modern day.
4.) The olinguito was previously the most recently discovered mammal in 35 years, which was found in South America.
5.) With only about 1,300 genera of living mammals worldwide, the discovery of a totally new genus of animal occurs only a couple times a year, if we’re lucky.
But wait, there’s more on the Tous!
6.) These marsupials are arboreal (spend their lives in trees).
7.) Their preferred habitat is rainforests.
Did you know…?
The precise location of these marsupials has intentionally been hidden to help keep wildlife traffickers from exploiting them.
8.) They are monogamous (mate for life)
9.) Females produce a single joey each season.
10.) Tous are nocturnal (active at night).
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia, IUCN, & The Conversation
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