We think we already know everything about the animals that inhabit the Earth, but scientists are still surprised by the appearance of new species. However, there is a discovery in the Peruvian jungle that has surprised all the experts: 27 new species.
According to the BBC, the discovery was made in the Peruvian rainforest, in the Alto Mayo region. Among the specimens identified are an amphibious mouse with webbed feet, a dwarf squirrel and a round-headed fish, all previously unknown to science.
The discovery of dozens of new species in the Peruvian Amazon
The discovery was made during a scientific expedition led by experts from the non-profit organisation Conservation International, in collaboration with local indigenous groups.
Thanks to this partnership, the research was able to take place in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, an ecosystem of enormous biological richness, but one that has also suffered increased human pressure in recent years.
‘Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is truly incredible, especially in a landscape with so much human influence,’ said Trond Larsen, senior director of Conservation International, in statements reported by the BBC.
Scientists were able to confirm the discovery of 27 new species, but they are confident that the number may increase. Some are already talking about a total of 48.
At least that is the number of specimens they are analysing to determine whether they are new to science. If confirmed, this would be one of the greatest biological discoveries in South America in recent years.
The most impressive findings in the Peruvian jungle
One of the most curious animals is an amphibious mouse, equipped with partially webbed feet that allow it to move around in aquatic environments.
This small rodent, which feeds on aquatic insects, belongs to a group of extremely rare semi-aquatic rodents. In fact, the few known species of this type have only been sighted ‘a handful of times by scientists,’ the team told the BBC.
But that’s not the only particularly strange animal. Another striking discovery was a fish with a disproportionately large round head.
This is a feature that ichthyologists described as ‘something they had never seen before’. In fact, its morphology could offer new clues about the evolution of species in isolated river habitats in the Upper Mayo.
The discovery of new animals that has surprised the scientific community
In recent months, we have seen unpleasant news about squirrels, but this time the discovery has been a major breakthrough for science.
They have found a dwarf squirrel that is only 14 centimetres long. By comparison, that is about half the size of a common grey squirrel in Europe.
‘It fits easily in the palm of your hand. It’s adorable and has a beautiful brown colour, and it’s very fast,’ Larsen explained, as quoted by the BBC. ‘It jumps quickly and hides in the trees,’ the scientist added.
The team also identified a new spiny mouse, named for the stiff, protective hairs on its coat, similar to the spines of a hedgehog.
