New Extinct Koala Species: Cave skull reveals dimpled WA relative; extinction tied to habitat loss

A newly discovered koala species, Phascolarctos maxillaris, once roamed Western Australia, differing significantly from its eastern relatives. This prehistoric marsupial, identified by unique cheekbone grooves, possessed a more robust skull and slender build. Its extinction around 28,000 years ago, linked to drastic climate change and habitat loss, serves as a stark warning for modern conservation efforts.