Four new mammals, eight species of fish, three species of amphibians and 10 species of butterflies were discovered during trips to Alto Mayoa protected area of the Amazon rainforest.
During the expedition, scientists from the non-profit organization Conservation International and members of local communities also drew attention to: 48 other animal specieshowever, further research will be needed to determine whether they are new.
Peru: A new species of pygmy squirrel and an unusual “obese” fish have been discovered
Of particular interest are, among others: new species dwarf squirrel. The animal measures only 14 cmwhich is just over half the length found in Poland common squirrel, which measures from 20 to 24 cm.
– Fits easily in your hand. It has a charming chestnut-brown color and is very fast, said Trond Larsen from Conservation International. – It jumps quickly and hides in trees – he emphasized.
The discovery was completely new “obese” fish with an unprecedented shape. The indigenous people who helped with the expedition already knew about its existence, but scientists were shocked by the animal's spherical and expanding head – they had never seen anything like it before.
Peru. They discovered a new type of mouse. One of the rarest rodents in the world
The new species was also a surprise spiny mousewhose name best reflects the fur of this rodent. The extremely stiff hairs covering its body perform a function similar to the spines on a hedgehog.
A completely new type of other was also discovered mouse – amphibiouswhich has paws partially connected by a membrane and feeds on aquatic insects.
The animal belongs to a group of semi-aquatic rodents considered to be one of the rarest in the world. So far, several known species have been spotted by scientists only a few times.
A fruitful expedition in Peru. “It's really amazing”
– Discovering so many new species is truly amazingespecially in an environment shaped by humans, said Trond Larsen.
Yulisa Tuwi from the Awajún tribewho helped with the research, in turn stated that the expedition was suing her communities “protect your culturenatural resources and their territory” because it provides a better understanding of local ecosystems. – The Awajún people have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants with which they live nearby – said the woman.
Alto Mayo is a protected area in north Peruencompassing diverse ecosystems and indigenous territories.