- Nov 11, 2009
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A British botanist has found three species believed to be extinct in New Guinea . Unfortunately one was discovered and confirmed as it was being barbecued by the locals.
So that particular one can hardly be described as "still alive and well in the region"

The Telefomin Cuscus found by Michael Smith in Papua New Guinea - Michael Smith / SWNS/Michael Smith / SWNS© Provided by The Telegraph
Not content with one discovery, he headed off in search of the Telefomin Cuscus, a little possum.
He had a hunch, and nothing more, that they might still survive in a newly accessible spot of the forest, which was untouched by the fire.
Intrepid Michael headed 1,000m up and down slippery moss-covered mountains – encountering a tribe who thought he was a ghost – before he found a family cooking the elusive possum.
It was proof the animal, believed to be extinct, was still alive and well in the region.
So that particular one can hardly be described as "still alive and well in the region"
The Telefomin Cuscus found by Michael Smith in Papua New Guinea - Michael Smith / SWNS/Michael Smith / SWNS© Provided by The Telegraph
Not content with one discovery, he headed off in search of the Telefomin Cuscus, a little possum.
He had a hunch, and nothing more, that they might still survive in a newly accessible spot of the forest, which was untouched by the fire.
Intrepid Michael headed 1,000m up and down slippery moss-covered mountains – encountering a tribe who thought he was a ghost – before he found a family cooking the elusive possum.
It was proof the animal, believed to be extinct, was still alive and well in the region.