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As of 2024, no native marsupial species have been discovered in India.
However, recent sightings of marsupial species in the wild have been reported, raising speculation about their origin.
Marsupials are primarily found in Australia, New Guinea, and the Americas, and their presence in India is considered an anomaly.

In June 2022, kangaroos were spotted in West Bengal, likely released illegally by animal smugglers.
In 2023 and early 2024, additional marsupial sightings were reported in Assam and Bihar, believed to be escaped exotic pets.
Some wallabies (small kangaroo species) were also spotted near Indian forests, raising concerns about illegal wildlife trade.

These sightings do not indicate a native marsupial population but suggest an increase in illegal trade of exotic species.
No marsupial species have naturally evolved in India since India separated from Gondwana (~100 million years ago).

Marsupials are a group of mammals distinguished by their pouch-based reproduction.
Unlike placental mammals, marsupials give birth to underdeveloped young, which then mature in the mother’s pouch.

India was once part of the supercontinent Gondwana, where early marsupials evolved.
When India drifted away from Gondwana (~100 million years ago), marsupial populations were cut off.
Later, placental mammals dominated the Indian ecosystem, leading to the extinction of marsupial-like mammals in India.

Forest officials reported small marsupials (possibly wallabies) in rural areas.
DNA tests confirmed they were not native species but likely escaped from illegal captivity.

Authorities found smuggled kangaroo joeys in an illegal pet trade operation.
This raised alarms about rising illegal exotic animal trade in India.

No modern marsupial species exist in India today.
However, fossil evidence suggests that marsupial ancestors may have once roamed ancient India.

Sinodelphys szalayai (125 million years old) – Oldest known marsupial ancestor, found in China.
Deltatheroida fossils – Marsupial-like mammals from Mongolia (~85 million years ago).
No direct marsupial fossils found in India, but similar species likely existed during the Gondwana period.

Continental Drift & Isolation
- 150 million years ago: Marsupial ancestors lived across Gondwana.
- 100 million years ago: India separated from Gondwana, leading to geographic isolation.
- 50 million years ago: India collided with Asia, allowing placental mammals to dominate.
Competition with Placental Mammals
- Placental mammals reproduce faster & develop inside the womb, giving them a survival advantage.
- This led to the extinction of marsupial-like mammals in India.
Climate & Habitat Changes
- India’s forests & grasslands changed over time, reducing suitable marsupial habitats.
- Extinction events (like asteroid impacts & climate shifts) may have wiped out marsupial ancestors.

Illegal pet trade in India is growing, with more exotic species being smuggled.
Many species, like kangaroos, cannot survive in India’s climate.

No native marsupial species exist in India, but recent sightings suggest increasing illegal wildlife trade.
Fossil evidence suggests marsupial-like ancestors once existed in India, but they became extinct due to continental drift and competition with placental mammals.
Strict regulations are needed to prevent illegal import of exotic species to protect India’s native biodiversity.