From Amphibious Mice To Dwarf Squirrels: 27 Fascinating New Species Found In Peru’s Amazon

A new discovery in the Amazon rainforest of Peru has unveiled a variety of unknown species, including an amphibious mouse with partially webbed feet that feeds on aquatic insects. The findings were the result of a 2022 expedition and were revealed by Conservation International.

The newly discovered species list comprises 27 incredible creatures, one of which is the amphibious mouse. This rodent is one of the most interesting and it has webbed feet; it feeds mainly on aquatic insects, making it a truly amazing discovery. Along with the rodent, scientists also unearthed a spiny mouse, a dwarf squirrel, eight species of fish, three amphibians, and 10 varieties of butterflies, according to Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program.

Larsen shared with Reuters that 48 species discovered during the expedition are considered to be new and will require further study to classify officially. This brought the number of species to an astonishing 2,046.

Alto Mayo Expedition

The findings were done in Alto Mayo, a protected area in the Amazon, which hosts diverse ecosystems, Indigenous territories, and villages. It was chosen because of the rich biodiversity it holds, along with human-influenced landscapes that provide scientists with a unique perspective on how nature and human activities intersect.

Larsen expressed his amazement at the findings, especially given the human impact on the region: “Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo.”

The expedition, held during the months of June to July 2022, brought together 13 scientists working side by side with local technicians as well as members of an indigenous group. According to Larsen, the expedition was made fruitful in the hands of such experience because of the traditional knowhow of the forest people concerning the wildlife of such woods.

Some Noteworthy Discovery Of New Species

Among the species that stood out were spiny mice, which had their fur stiff, and dwarf squirrel, small but swift as it measured only 14 cm (5.5 inches). Larsen described a squirrel as “adorable, beautiful chestnut-brown and very fast as it moves quickly and hides in trees.

Another interesting species found was the blob-headed fish, an armored catfish that really impressed the team. These discoveries and the identification of 49 threatened species, including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the tree monkey, give testimony to the biodiversity richness of the Alto Mayo region.

Larsen underscored the desperate need to conserve the area with the warning that many of these newly found species are not very safe. He urged, “Unless steps are taken now to safeguard these sites and help restore parts of the landscape. There’s a strong chance they won’t persist in the long term.”

The expedition emphasizes the paramount significance of preserving biodiversity in the Amazon, a region constantly being threatened by deforestation and human activity. With the continually rising count of newly discovered species, it is coming more to the fore that preserving the natural habitat for these species becomes imperative to their survival.

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