Extinct

Australia’s rich natural history boasts some of the most interesting animals on the planet, a standout of which is Diprotodon - the largest ever known marsupial. University of Queensland Associate Professor Gilbert Price joins Extinct to discuss this sizeable species.   Produced on Turrbal land.

Fossils provide valuable insights into the history of our planet and the diverse species which used to call it home - but how do they form? Queensland Museum Collection Manager in Geoscience Dr Caitlin Syme joins Extinct to discuss fossilisation processes and one very special crocodile.   Produced on Turrbal land.

Across 400 million years of Earth's ever-changing landscape, one group of creatures has gracefully weathered the shifts – the lungfish. Flinders University evolutionary biologist and paleontologist Dr Alice Clement joins Extinct to discuss this remarkable fish.   Produced on Turrbal land.   Visit the Virtual Australian Museum of Palaeontology (VAMP): https://sites.flinders.edu.au/vamp/

More than 50,000 years ago, the Dynatoatus gaffae reigned supreme as the largest bird in Australia’s skies. Flinders University paleontologist Dr Ellen Mather joins Extinct to discuss what life was like for this formidable species. Produced on Turrbal land.

Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour hosts one of Australia’s most unique species that sadly teeters on the brink of extinction. University of Tasmania researcher Dr David Moreno joins Extinct to discuss the endangered Maugean Skate and why its population has rapidly declined in recent years. Produced on Turrbal land.

Australia boasts a diverse array of formidable ancient predators, and our understanding of them often hinges on the footprints they've left behind. Paleontologist Dr. Anthony Romilio joins Extinct to discuss how these footprints serve as vital keys to answering questions about life long ago.   Produced on Turrbal land.

Millions of fish in the Murray-Darling Basin have died in recent years, sparking concerns about the river system’s health and the need for sustainable water management and conservation practices. River ecologist and conservation biologist Professor Richard Kingsford joins Extinct to discuss the contributing factors and implications of these devastating fish kills for this crucial water source.   Produced on Turrbal land.

Renowned for its massive size, Megalodon stands as a legendary shark of epic proportions. Western Australian Museum’s Head of Earth and Planetary Sciences Dr Mikael Siversson joins Extinct to discuss one of the most famous oceanic apex predators.   Produced on Turrbal land.

In late 2015 and early 2016, millions of mangrove trees in northern Australia suddenly died. This dieback event had significant implications for the health of the country’s coastal ecosystems that we’re still feeling today. Mangrove ecologist Dr Norman Duke joins Extinct to discuss what led to so many mangrove trees dying, and what this means for our future.   Produced on Turrbal land.

The fossil record for Australian pterosaurs is limited, with less than 20 known specimens found so far. Excitingly in 2019, a new species was described - Ferrodraco lentoni (meaning “iron dragon”). Paleontologist Adele Pentland joins Extinct to discuss her work on “Butch”, the most complete Australian pterosaur found to date. Produced on Turrbal land. “Pals in Palaeo” with Adele Pentland podcast: https://linktr.ee/palsinpalaeo

Feral cat populations have boomed in Australia since their introduction into the country by colonisers. But how has this impacted native species? Ecologist Professor Sarah Legge joins Extinct to talk about the decline of wildlife populations due to introduced predators, and what is being done to manage this problem and avoid further extinction.   Produced on Turrbal land.

A dinosaur fossil found in Queensland has marked an important discovery - the most complete sauropod skull identified in Australia. Paleontologist Dr Stephen Poropat joins Extinct to talk about this important Diamantinasaurus matildae specimen (nicknamed “Ann”), and what this discovery reveals about this extinct species’ past.   Produced on Turrbal land.

The Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) famously went extinct after the last known individual died in 1936 - but what if we brought it back? Epigeneticist Professor Andrew Pask joins Extinct to talk about de-extinction and why reviving this Australian icon is crucial.   Produced on Turrbal land.   Read more about the Thylacine Integrated Genomic Restoration Research Lab: https://tigrrlab.science.unimelb.edu.au/

Extinct is a podcast about dead things. Host Alice Leggett and a selection of renowned scientists paint a picture of ancient life in Australia, and seek to safeguard our ecosystems and their inhabitants.