Australian researchers identify new species of extinct marsupial lion

Wakaleo schouteni is the fifth known species of dog-sized marsupial lion discovered at Riversleigh

Australian researchers have identified a new species of marsupial lion that roamed the rainforests of northern Australia 25m years ago.

Weighing in at just over 22kg and boasting a squat, flat head, the new species, named Wakaleo schouteni after wildlife illustrator and paleoartist Peter Schouten, is the fifth known species of dog-sized marsupial lion discovered at Riversleigh, located within Boodjamulla national park, near the Queensland-Northern Territory border.