Early humans linked to ancient Australian extinction

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-10/sovp-ehl102815.php

Public Release: 28-Oct-2015
Early humans linked to ancient Australian extinction
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology

New data presented at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology meetings in Dallas, Texas, implicates early humans in the extinction of large mammals, birds and lizards in Australia. More precise dating of these extinction events places them 10 thousand years after the first arrival of humans in Australia, suggesting human predation was the most likely cause.

Australia was once home to a plethora of large-bodied animals, including a huge monitor lizard, large terrestrial birds, a giant wombat, the marsupial lion, and giant kangaroos.

•••••