Story perspectives

Australian Museum Unveils 28,000-Year-Old Extinct Koala Species

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Australia’s Museum announced the koala species Phascolarctos sulcomaxillaris, which vanished about 28,000 years ago.
Mammals curator Kenny Travouillon began the study after a 2024 skull donation from speleologist Lindsay Hatcher’s family.
Dates from Yanchep, Margaret River, Perth and Madura caves show the koala vanished as the climate dried.
Skull analysis found a shorter cranium, broader teeth, a deep cheek groove and thinner bones, indicating a smaller brain and reduced agility.

1 of 1

Story summary

Australia’s Museum announced the koala species Phascolarctos sulcomaxillaris, which vanished about 28,000 years ago.
Mammals curator Kenny Travouillon began the study after a 2024 skull donation from speleologist Lindsay Hatcher’s family.
Dates from Yanchep, Margaret River, Perth and Madura caves show the koala vanished as the climate dried.
Skull analysis found a shorter cranium, broader teeth, a deep cheek groove and thinner bones, indicating a smaller brain and reduced agility.