Extinct For 100 Years: Rare Possum Found in Kosciuszko National Park

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Scientists weren't even looking for it - they accidentally caught the Leadbeater's possum on camera while searching for a completely different endangered animal.

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How was it found? Seven quick photos over just 10 seconds, hidden among nearly ONE MILLION images that researchers had to review.

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"It jumped right out at me," said Fred Ford, the sharp-eyed threatened species officer who spotted the elusive creature in the photos.

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What makes this possum special? It moves "like greased lightning" through forests and has been nicknamed the "forest fairy" for its quick, agile movements.

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From nose to tail tip, these possums measure just 30cm (1 foot), with their distinctive tails making up half that length.

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These possums live in groups of up to 12 members and fiercely defend their territory from intruders - don't mess with these tiny fighters!

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The nearest known population is over 250km away in Victoria, suggesting this newly-found group may have been isolated for generations.

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With just 4,000 left in Victoria and the lowland population down to a mere 40 individuals, every new discovery gives hope for this critically endangered species.

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cientists now plan to study whether these "lost" possums are genetically different from their Victorian relatives after such long isolation.

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