Tree Kangaroo Spotted Again After 90 Years, Raising Hope for Species Once Feared Extinct

n a discovery that has surprised conservationists, a tree kangaroo species believed to have vanished nearly a century ago has reportedly been sighted again in remote parts of Australia.

For decades, the species had not been officially recorded, leading many experts to fear it had gone extinct. The recent sighting, documented through field surveys and camera traps, is being described as a major breakthrough for wildlife researchers.

A Rare Forest Dweller

Unlike their ground-dwelling relatives, tree kangaroos are specially adapted for life in dense forest canopies. With strong forelimbs, long tails for balance, and powerful hind legs, they can leap between branches and navigate high above the forest floor.

These marsupials are notoriously elusive, living in remote and rugged terrain that makes observation difficult. Their low population density and shrinking habitat have contributed to the lack of confirmed sightings over the decades.

Why Was It Missing for So Long?

Scientists believe habitat destruction, logging, and climate pressures may have drastically reduced the species’ numbers, pushing it into isolated pockets of forest.

In some cases, animals labeled “extinct” are later reclassified as “critically endangered” when small surviving populations are rediscovered. Such cases are known as “Lazarus species” — organisms that reappear after being presumed lost.

A Conservation Turning Point

The recent sighting does not guarantee long-term survival, but it offers renewed hope.

Conservation groups are now working to verify population size, assess genetic diversity, and strengthen habitat protection measures. Protecting forest corridors will be critical to prevent further fragmentation.

Wildlife experts caution that rediscovery is only the first step. Without sustained conservation efforts, rare species can disappear again — sometimes permanently.

Still, the reappearance of a tree kangaroo after nearly 90 years serves as a powerful reminder:

Nature can endure in silence for decades.

And sometimes, it surprises us when we least expect it.