Wildlife at the Watering Hole - September 2024 - Antonia Parker

A Plethora of Possums: taxonomy, phylogenetics and variation of extinct ektopodontid and petaurid possums from the Oligo-Miocene fossil deposits of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area in northwestern Queensland

Antonia Parker (PhD candidate)

Antonia is a PhD student studying the taxonomy, phylogenetics and variation of ektopodontid and petaurid possums found in the fossil deposits of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, located in far northwest Queensland. Ektopodontids are a bizarre, entirely extinct group of short-faced, nocturnal possums. Antonia is describing a new species and genus of these possums, which could finally answer questions about the early evolution diversification of the group. Petaurids are a diverse family with 12 species living today, including the gliding possums, striped possums, and Leadbeater's possum, but the group lacks a fossil record. Antonia is describing several new species of petaurid possums, bringing to light the evolutionary history of the group.

About Antonia:

Antonia is currently a PhD student studying at the University of New South Wales. She did her undergrad degree at UNSW in biology and creative writing, and honours on the taphonomy of Riversleigh's LD94 Site. In her spare time, Antonia enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons and napping with her large dog, Calliden.