Imagine a creature that runs on trees like a squirrel but has a magical bag on its stomach like a kangaroo. He is as small as a mouse but can jump hundreds of feet in the air and swim. This is not a scene from any horror movie but the biggest truth in the world of science. A ‘living ghost’ has been found in the rainforests of Indonesian Papua, India’s maritime neighbor, which has surprised scientists. The one whom we were looking for only in stones and fossils, is looking at us in reality with his big eyes. This is the story of ‘Tus’. A creature that was considered extinct for 6,000 years.
What is this creature and why is there such a ruckus?
Scientists have declared it as Lazarus species. This word is used for those creatures which disappear from the pages of history and are suddenly found alive after centuries. This creature is a gliding possum which is very unique in its physical structure and behavior.
5 most special features of Tous
· Magic bag like kangaroo: It is a ‘marsupial’ creature, which means that after giving birth, it keeps its young safe in a special pouch made on its stomach.
· Long jump in air (gliding): It has a membrane like a natural parachute. It can travel great distances by jumping from tall trees and floating in the air.
· Catching Strong Tail: The lower part of its tail is hairless, which gives it the strength to grip tree branches as firmly as a hand.
· Nocturnal Guard: Its large and bright eyes help it to navigate and find prey even in the dark of night.
· Rare Breeding: This species is very sensitive because it gives birth to only one child in a year, which makes increasing its population a big challenge.
Don’t mistake it for a squirrel!
Often people mistake it for ‘flying squirrel’ but from the scientific point of view this would be a big mistake. This creature is a member of the family (marsupial) of kangaroo and koala. While squirrels give birth to fully developed babies, this possum raises its babies in a pouch.
Existence still under threat
The return of this creature is as pleasant as it is scary. The deforestation taking place in the forests of Papua and the attention of wildlife smugglers can once again destroy the existence of this innocent creature. Scientists have kept its exact location secret for its safety.
question Answer
Is this creature found in India?
No, it is mainly found in the forests of New Guinea (Indonesian Papua), an island located in the neighborhood of India. However, a new mammalian genus named ‘Nagasorex’ was also discovered in Nagaland, India in 2025.
How did scientists know that it was alive?
It began with a photo taken by a plantation employee in 2015, which was later identified based on fossils and local indigenous knowledge.
What does the name ‘Tous’ mean?
‘Tus’ is a local indigenous word which the tribal communities there have been using for this particular species for generations.