(Web Desk) - Scientists have discovered 27 never before seen animal species including the a new amphibious mouse.
The unusual discoveries were found by researchers exploring the Alto Mayo region of north-west Peru. Over a survey lasting 38 days, the team recorded more than 2,000 species of wildlife and plants.
Due to the region’s high population of humans and significant human activity including deforestation and agriculture, the findings are considered very unexpected.
The new species discovered include four mammals, a semi-aquatic mouse, a spiny mouse, a short-tailed fruit bat, and a dwarf squirrel.
Dr. Trong Larsen, senior director of biodiversity and ecosystem science at Conservation International’s Moore Centre for Science, said the discovery of the amphibious mouse in particular was “shocking and exciting”.
“It belongs to a group of carnivorous, semi-aquatic rodents, for which the majority of species are exceedingly rare and difficult to collect, giving them an almost mythical status among mammal experts,” Larsen told The Guardian.
“We only found this amphibious mouse in a single unique patch of swamp forest that’s threatened by encroaching agriculture, and it may not live anywhere else.”
A tree-climbing salamander and a “blob-headed fish” were also found in the area. “The function of this ‘blob’ remains a complete mystery,” Larsen said.
The survey was conducted in June and July 2022. It also helped document 49 “threatened” species. Among the new discoveries were a new species of narrow-mouthed frog, 10 new butterflies, and two new dung beetles. Analysis is underway to determine if another 48 species found are new to science.
It is hoped that the findings help to encourage conservation efforts.