A crest-tailed mulgara, thought to be extinct in one area, returns after a century

Long thought to be extinct in the Australian state of New South Wales, the crest-tailed mulgara has made an unexpected return after a century missing.

The marsupial, presumed to be extinct in the area, was found by researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at Sturt National Park near Tibooburra who were working on a project to restore and promote desert ecosystems.

SEE ALSO: The cutest, most Instagram-famous pets of the internet

"The crest-tailed mulgara was once widely distributed across sandy desert environments in inland Australia, but declined due to the effects of rabbits, cats and foxes," Rebecca West, a UNSW ecologist, explained in a statement. 

Image: reece pedler

"The species weighs around 150 grams (5.29 oz) and has pale blonde fur and a thick tail with a distinctive black crest."

The discovery comes at an ideal time for researchers, who are looking to reintroduce mammal species into the Sturt National Park which haven't been seen for 90 years. 

Introduced species like rabbits, cats and foxes will be eradicated in two 20 square-kilometre fenced exclosures to make way for extinct mammals like the greater bilby, the western quoll and the western barred bandicoot.

You're more likely to find a crest-tailed mulgara in central Australia, where they are widespread in the southern Simpson Desert. It is a carnivore, feeding on invertebrates, lizards and small mammals.

Oh, and it is rather adorable, of course.

WATCH: Neil deGrasse Tyson explains what 'a perfect storm' actually means