LIMA : An “amphibious mouse” with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to Peru’s Amazon, according to Conservation International.
Scientists also discovered a spiny mouse, a squirrel, eight types of fish, three amphibians and 10 types of butterflies, Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program, told Reuters this week.
He added that another 48 species found by investigators were potentially new, but needed further study.
The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.
“Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo,” Larsen said.
