Swimming mouse among 27 new species discovered in Peru

A webbed amphibian mouse and a blobhead fish are among 27 new species discovered by scientists in Peru.

They were found during an expedition to Alto Mayo – which includes the Amazon rainforest – by scientists from the nonprofit Conservation International and members of local indigenous groups.

Up to 48 other new species may also have been found, although further research is needed to determine whether these are new species, Conservation International said.

“It is truly incredible to discover so many new species of mammals and vertebrates, especially in such a human-influenced landscape,” said Trond Larsen, senior director at Conservation International.

Alto Mayo is a protected area in northern Peru with multiple ecosystems and indigenous territories.

It has a relatively high population density, putting environmental pressures under pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion, Conservation International said.

Yulisa Tuwi, an Awajún woman who helped with the research, said the report “enables the Awajún people to protect our culture, natural resources and territory” because it gives them a better understanding of ecosystems.

“(The Awajún) have extensive traditional knowledge of the forests, animals and plants with which they live side by side,” Mr Larsen said.

The expedition also found a new species of dwarf squirrel, eight species of fish, three amphibians and ten species of butterflies.

This “blob-headed” fish is a new discovery of science, but the Awajún indigenous people who helped with the expedition already knew of its existence.

The fish researchers were particularly shocked by the enlarged head, which they had never seen before.

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

“(It) fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful maroon color, very fast,” said Larsen.

“It jumps quickly and hides in the trees.”

Scientists discovered a new species of spiny mice – named for the particularly stiff protective hairs on their fur, which function similarly to a hedgehog’s spines.

They also found a new “amphibian mouse” that has partially webbed feet and eats aquatic insects.

It belongs to a group of semi-aquatic rodents considered one of the rarest in the world. The few known species have only been discovered by scientists a few times.