plombeja

Plombeja refers to a genus of extinct leafy gliding possums, which lived during the Pleistocene epoch. This taxonomic group includes the second-largest known possums, outdone only by the mountain pygmy possum.

These possums were found primarily in coastal regions of Australia, where they played a crucial ecological role, helping maintain the balance of their native ecosystem. Plombeja possums were characterized by their significant size and gliding capabilities, similar to those of the sugar glider.

Their extinction, a consequence of human-induced environmental factors, likely occurred around 40,000 years ago, as per estimates based on fossil records.

Research efforts are focused on further understanding the interactions between Plombeja and its environment, primarily concerning the loss of canopy habitats in Australia. Studies are conducted with the aim of minimizing current species extinction rates.