https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3vrnx2gvpko
'An amphibious mouse with webbed feet and a blob-headed fish are among 27 new
species scientists have discovered in Peru.
They were found in an expedition to Alto Mayo - which includes the Amazon
rainforest - by scientists from the non-profit organisation Conservation
International and members of local indigenous groups.
Up to 48 other new species may also have been found, although further study
will be needed to determine whether they are new, Conservation International
says.
"Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really
incredible, 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 pressure on
environmentalism through deforestation and agricultural expansion, Conservation
International said.
Yulisa Tuwi, an Awajún woman who assisted with the research, said the report
"allows the Awajún to protect our culture, natural resources and our
territory", as it gives them a better understanding of the ecosystems.
"[The Awajún] have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals
and plants they live side-by-side with," Mr Larsen said.
The expedition also found a new species of dwarf squirrel, eight types of fish,
three amphibians and 10 types of butterfly.'
Via Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
