science

Friend of David Attenborough claims to have discovered a new species of marsupial


Explorer and friend of David Attenborough claims to have discovered a new species of animal which is a ‘kind of marsupial’ – adding to a collection of more than 100 he has discovered

  • Professor Kristofer Helgen he has already uncovered 100 different species  
  • His new finding’s scientific name will be announced over the coming weeks
  • It is ‘very unique’ and the ‘first time the world will be finding out about the animal
  • This discovery is another addition to uncovering portions of the tree of life, something that has driven Helgen in his work

One of the world’s leading zoologists has revealed that he is on the cusp of unveiling his latest animal discovery, which is a ‘kind of marsupial’.

The find, by Professor Kristofer Helgen, a close friend of David Attenborough  will add to the 100 he has already uncovered during expeditions all over the world.

Professor Helgen described the creature as a ‘kind of marsupial’ but that its scientific name will be announced in the coming weeks. 

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One of the world’s leading zoologists has revealed that he is on the verge of unveiling his latest animal discovery to add to the 100 he has already uncovered during expeditions to remote corners of the world. Here, the Olinguito

One of the world’s leading zoologists has revealed that he is on the verge of unveiling his latest animal discovery to add to the 100 he has already uncovered during expeditions to remote corners of the world. Here, the Olinguito

Professor Helgen said: ‘It is very unique and this is the first time the world will be finding out about it. 

‘This discovery is another addition to uncovering portions of the tree of life, something that has driven me in my work.’

Currently Professor of Biological Sciences and Deputy Director of Applied Conservation at the University of Adelaide in Australia, Professor Helgen is considered one of the leading authorities on mammals.

He has uncovered 100 previously overlooked species of living mammals, including the Skywalker Hoolock Gibbon of southern China and Myanmar.

He also discovered the Greater Monkey-Faced Bat of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands but said the Olinguito stood out as his ‘favourite’. 

‘It has big eyes is a relative of the racoon and is a very beautiful animal. My work is a bit like being a detective. I follow leads or act on information to find these unknown species,’ he said.

Professor Helgen revealed that his next expedition, due to begin later this year is to a remote archipelago off the coast of Fiji to try and find a rare bat. 

Helgen is currently Professor of Biological Sciences and Deputy Director of Applied Conservation at the University of Adelaide in Australia and is considered one of the leading authorities on mammals

Professor Kristofer Helgen, a close friend of David Attenborough, said that the creature is ‘kind of marsupial’ but that its scientific name will be announced in the coming weeks

Professor Kristofer Helgen, a close friend of David Attenborough, said that the creature is ‘kind of marsupial’ but that its scientific name will be announced in the coming weeks

The Skywalker Hoolock Gibbon was among newly discovered species in Asia's Greater Mekong documented by Professor Helgen in 2017. After a decade's work, and is now listed as one of the top 25 most endangered primates on the planet.

The Skywalker Hoolock Gibbon was among newly discovered species in Asia’s Greater Mekong documented by Professor Helgen in 2017. After a decade’s work, and is now listed as one of the top 25 most endangered primates on the planet.

He said that his most favourite expedition was to the Foja Mountains of Papua New Guinea, where no human inhabitants had ever lived and the wildlife was ‘incredibly friendly.’

‘I was in a jungle camp for several weeks and discovered a species of tree kangaroo. It was an incredible experience,’ he said.

Last year, Helgen attended David Attenborough’s 90th birthday celebrations, describing him as an ‘inspiration.’

Helgen said: ‘I can’t think of anyone who has done more than him to communicate the richness and variety of life. 

He is a trusted voice for the natural world and it is an honour for me to have such exposure to him.’

Helgen is currently leading bespoke guided tours for TCS World Travel, which aims to provide travellers with his expertise and insight of the natural world.

He said: ‘It’s an educational experience for travellers and they get a feel for the type of work that I do. 

‘We provide them with a reading list and lectures so that they can learn from my expertise. It’s an exciting opportunity to sample what one of my expeditions is like.’

TCS World Travel, the world’s leading innovator in private jet expeditions offers all-inclusive itineraries combining natural wonders, iconic landmarks, “first chance” destinations, exclusive experiences, such as guided tours with leading experts such as Kris Helgen.

Helgen’s latest tour with TCS: Southern Africa: Wine and Wildlife

AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

SEPTEMBER 16 – OCTOBER 3, 2020

WHAT IS THE OLINGUITO?

 It was found in Colombia in 2013 and described as half cat, half teddy bear.

The olinguito is the first new carnivore to be discovered in the Western Hemisphere in 35 years.

Researchers said that despite the animal’s cat feline and bear-like appearance, the olinguito is actually a member of the Procyonidae family, along with raccoons, coatis, kinkajous and olingos. 

Researchers say the olinguito looks like a cross between a house cat and a teddy bear but the furry animals is actually a member of the Procyonidae family, along with raccoons, coatis, kinkajous and olingos

Researchers say the olinguito looks like a cross between a house cat and a teddy bear but the furry animals is actually a member of the Procyonidae family, along with raccoons, coatis, kinkajous and olingos

Weighing 2lb and with woolly orange brown fur, it lives in the cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador but for more than a century it was mistaken for its larger close cousin, the olingo.

An examination of the skull, teeth and skin of museum specimens has now confirmed that it is a different species – the first New World carnivore to be identified in 35 years.

 



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