New marsupial discovered in Australia with ears adorably larger than its own face: 'Mother Nature collecting Labubus too'

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Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Jan 6, 2026 9:00 AM EST

Wake up fam, new marsupial just dropped.

It's not every day that a whole new species is discovered. This just goes to show that even in 2026, there are still many things we have yet to discover in nature. It's a type of Southern Glider marsupial, which is known for its adorably large ears that are bigger than its own face! How it stayed hidden for all these years with those ears, we'll never understand. 

Why did it evolve such enormous ears? Well, there are a few pawssible reasons why. Firstly, it could be to help distribute heat and regulate body temperature, like fennec foxes or rabbits. Another slightly obvious reason would be to increase hearing in dense forest environments where visibility is most likely limited due to overgrown plant life.

Although it has been discovered, little is known about its habitat, diet, or behavior. And the more we find out, the more we realize how little we know. One thing we do know about them is that they are marsupials, meaning that they carry their young in pouches until a certain age when they are ready to start fending for themselves.

Some experts think that up to 70% of Australia's wildlife is still unexplored, so imagine how many more little critters we might find! Since we don't know what's still out there, it's important to focus on the survival of forests, natural habitats, and ecosystems that are in danger from human development. It would be a shame for us to discover this species and then put it on the extinct species list within a few years. For now, enjoy some cute pics of this little creature, and remember to recycle!

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    Cheezburger Image 10593451264
    via memeculture
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    memeculture A previously unknown marsupial species has been discovered, notable for ears larger than its own face. Researchers say the oversized ears may help regulate body temperature or enhance hearing in dense or low-visibility environments. The discovery adds to the growing list of species still being identified in remote habitats.
    via memeculture
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    WONDERS
    via Wild Wonders
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    Scientists emphasize that physical extremes like this are often the result of highly specific environmental pressures. Large ears can improve heat dissipation or detect predators and prey more efficiently. Each new species offers clues about how animals adapt to survive in narrow ecological niches.
    via memeculture
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    The find has reignited interest in how much biodiversity remains undocumented. Even in the modern age, nature continues to surprise researchers. Discoveries like this highlight both the richness of wildlife and the urgency of conservation efforts.
    via memeculture
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    Cheezburger Image 10593478144
    via Josh Bowell
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    chelseablechman If I find out this is Al everyone is in trouble
    via chelseablechman
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    doru.alin Mother Nature collecting Labubus too
    via doru.alin

  • It really does look like a Labubu. Did you know that Labubus were supposed to be some sort of elf? We've never seen an elf that looks like this, but this marsupial might be the closest thing. But, we'll happily take these cuties going viral over those silly toys. We're glad we got through 2025 without ever buying one. What a waste of money!

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    Cheezburger Image 10593451520
    via Steven Kuite
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    notytony Happy new ear
    via notytony
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    Cheezburger Image 10593459968
    via Wild for Wildlife
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    tractorlady83 They are so cute
    via tractorlady83
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    Cheezburger Image 10593460224
    via factpoint
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    mikaela_menhera It's momo. :)
    via mikaela_menhera

  • It does look like Momo! If you don't get this reference, it's from Avatar: The Last Airbender. The main character, Aang, befriends a “sky lemur”, which basically looks like this little guy, but with foldable wings attached to his arms, like a bat. Does this mean we're one step closer to the fire nation attacking?

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    nikbhumc5z Whats the brand
    via nikbhumc5z
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    Stephanie Jackson - Australian wildlife collection/Alamy
    via Stephanie Jackson - Australian wildlife collection/Alamy
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    canserdarhasturk How were you not discovered for years with those ears?
    via canserdarhasturk
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    Auscape International Pty Ltd/Alamy
    via Auscape International Pty Ltd/Alamy
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    room926 And I shall call him squishy and he shall be mine he shall be my squishy
    via room926
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    Cheezburger Image 10593451776
    via Auscape International Pty Ltd/Alamy
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    misObunny
    via misObunny

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Tags

discovery australia mother nature big ears new species marsupial animals
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