A DIVING enthusiast believes he has discovered the remains of the largest extinct carnivorous mammal to ever live in Australia in one of the Limestone Coast’s renowned caves.
Ryan Kaczkowski has found bones and teeth that appear to be from a marsupial lion (thylacoleo carnifex) – an extinct species of carnivorous marsupial that lived in Australia between 1.6 million and 46,000 years ago.
Preserved for thousands of years, the remains of the prehistoric animal were also found alongside other bones which Mr Kaczkowski believes may have been some of the mammal’s meals.
He made the discovery while exploring a submerged passage he recently came across in the underground network.
The cave, located near Tantanoola, is part of the larger Tank Cave system and although it might seem tempting to go and catch a glimpse yourself, only the most advanced divers are able to access the site.
“I think there are less than 200 people in Australia who are qualified to access the area,” Mount Gambier diving company Reef 2 Ridge business owner Rob Main said.
“So although it might not be a huge drawcard for tourists, hopefully those who have the ability visit the region to check it out.
“I’ll definitely be heading out there as soon as I can to take a look myself.”
Mr Main said the discovery was an opportunity to continue mapping the history of the region and it’s popular caves.
“It’s really exciting to have cave divers and scientists working together to piece together our history,” he said.
“It’s not the first fossil discovered in the region – the Lady Nelson has short-faced kangaroo remains on display discovered in Tank Cave – but hopefully it leads to many more.”
