Swimming rat among 27 new species discovered in Peru

An amphibious mouse with webbed feet and a blob-headed fish is one of 27 new species discovered by scientists in Peru.

They were found on an expedition to Alto Mayo – which includes the Amazon rainforest – by scientists from the non-profit organization Conservation International and members of local indigenous groups.

Conservation International says up to 48 other new species may be found, though more study will be needed to determine if they are new.

“The discovery of so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is truly incredible,” said Trond Larsen, Senior Director of Conservation International. is, especially in such a human-influenced landscape”.

Alto Mayo is a protected area in northern Peru with numerous ecosystems and endemic areas.

Conservation International said it has a relatively high population density, which puts pressure on the environment through deforestation and agricultural expansion.

Ulisa Tuvi, an Ojun woman who helped with the research, said the report “allows voices to protect our culture, natural resources and our territory,” as it gives them a better understanding of the ecosystem.

“[The Awajún] “Forests have extensive traditional knowledge about the animals and plants they live with,” Mr Larsen said.

The expedition also found a new species of bony squirrel, eight species of fish, three amphibians and 10 species of butterfly.

This “blob-headed” fish is a new discovery to science, but the locals who helped with the expedition were already aware of its existence.

Fish scientists were particularly surprised by its enlarged head – something they had never seen before.

This dwarf squirrel measures just 14 cm (5.5 in), half the length of the average gray squirrel in the UK, which is 24 to 29 in. cm, according to the UK Squirrel Accord.

“[It] Fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Charming and beautiful chestnut brown color, very sharp,” said Larson.

“It jumps quickly and hides in the trees.”

Scientists have discovered a new species of spiny mouse – named after the particularly tough protective hairs found on their coats, which act like a hedgehog’s spine.

They also found a new “amphibious mouse,” which has partially webbed feet and eats aquatic insects.

It belongs to a group of semi-aquatic rodents that are considered among the world’s rarest animals, with the few species known to have been seen only a handful of times by scientists.