JOURNAL ARTICLE

Shrew’d observations.

  • Published In: Australian Geographic, 2026, n. 192. P. 19 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: SMITH, ROGER 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on two wildlife encounters that illustrate the deep evolutionary connection between African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) and Australian little red flying-foxes (Pteropus scapulatus). Despite their distinct appearances and habitats, both species share a common ancestor—an 80-million-year-old shrew-like mammal that lived before the breakup of the supercontinents Laurasia and Gondwana. The author recounts witnessing a massive herd of African buffalo in Botswana’s Chobe National Park and a vast migration of flying-foxes in Australia’s Kakadu National Park, highlighting the shared evolutionary heritage that links diverse mammals across continents. The narrative emphasizes the significance of evolution and the importance of conserving this biological legacy. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Australian Geographic. 2026/05, Issue 192, p19
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0816-1658
  • Accession Number:193187884
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