An elusive golden marsupial, known as kakarratul, has been photographed by Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) Martu rangers in northern Western Australia.
The tiny mole does not have eyes, is covered in silky golden fur and is known to use its strong forearms and claws to dive deep and 'swim' through the sand dunes of the desert.
KJ rangers spotted the animal while carrying out fieldwork, and their photographs of the kakarratul have generated a lot of excitement as they offer a rare opportunity to take a closer look at the little-known marsupial.
Executive Director at KJ, Zan King, told the ABC the team were proud of the find.
"It caused a bit of excitement," she said.
"They are all keen to get back home to tell their families and show the photos to the young kids, because we've got lots of junior rangers who are looking forward to being rangers when they grow up."
As the desert is sparsely populated, desert animals can be harder to find and document, so local rangers working on Country utilising their knowledge provide priceless insights into lesser-known and rarely seen species.
This is just the second time the marsupial mole has been seen in six months.
Gareth Catt, a wildlife expert and program manager with the Indigenous Desert Alliance, told the ABC the work of rangers is integral to the protection of desert animals.
"The monitoring by Aboriginal ranger groups is really important, especially as desert species are being impacted by rainfall and temperature patterns changing due to climate change," he said.
Lynette Wildridge, a senior Nyangumarta ranger, works to track and protect the kakarratul.
"The animals aren't easy to find — it's hard work trekking up those sand dunes," she told the ABC.
"We look for their tiny footprints and then dig trenches to try find the tunnels they've made.
"We've got pretty good looking for those mole holes."
Mr Catt said many people mistakenly think "there isn't much life in the desert" but in fact there are many unique species in need of more research and conservation.
"At the most extreme ends of the environment, it becomes really obvious when things change - that's what we're seeing in the desert," Mr Catt said.
"So that does put extra pressure on animals which are really living at the limits."
Mr Catt said he is keen to bring more awareness to the weird and wonderful species who call the desert home.
"I'm a big fan of these critters that people struggle to love," he said.
"These moles and snakes and spiders and creepy crawlies — there's a whole array of wildlife out there that's valuable and beautiful in its own right."
