Oldest European marsupial found in Charente-Maritime

EVIDENCE of what is believed to be the oldest known marsupial in Europe has been discovered in Charente-Maritime.

Science Daily reports that researchers found a small tooth, near Rochefort-sur-mer, from a tiny mouse-like animal named Arcantiodelphys marchandi, one of the oldest and most primitive marsupial known in the world.

The work was carried out by a team from the Centre national de la Recherche Scientifique and l'Université de Rennes 1, the French language press release can be read at Découverte du plus ancien marsupial européen en Charente-Maritime.

Related article: Dinosaur footprints found near La Plagne, Savoie

Comments

[William]

I had no idea there were ever marsupials in Europe. I thought they were confined to Aussie and a few shrews and such like in South America.

[Craig McGinty]

Hi William, makes you think that we are just a speck on this planet!
All the best, Craig