‘Amphibious mouse’ among 27 new species discovered in Peru’s Amazon

LIMA: So, get this! Scientists just found an “amphibious mouse” in Peru’s Amazon. This little critter has webbed feet and munches on aquatic insects. It’s one of 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition. How cool is that?

They also spotted a spiny mouse, a squirrel, and a bunch of fish and butterflies. Trond Larsen from Conservation International shared that there are even more species that might be new but need a bit more digging to confirm.

The discoveries happened in Alto Mayo, a protected area with diverse ecosystems and Indigenous communities. Larsen was super excited about finding so many new mammals and vertebrates, especially in a place that’s been influenced by humans.

The team, made up of 13 scientists and local folks, worked closely with the Awajun people. They have tons of traditional knowledge about the local wildlife, which really helped the expedition.

Among the highlights were the spiny mouse, the amphibious mouse, and a tiny dwarf squirrel that’s just 14 cm long. It’s so small it fits right in your hand! Larsen described it as adorable with a beautiful chestnut-brown color.

Another fun find was the blob-headed fish, a type of armored catfish. Over 2,000 species were recorded during the 38-day trip, including some that are threatened, like the yellow-tailed woolly monkey.

Larsen emphasized the importance of protecting these areas. If we don’t act now, there’s a real risk that these species won’t survive in the long run. It’s a wake-up call for conservation efforts!