About twenty-seven new species were discovered during a 2022 scientific expedition in Perus Amazon rainforest, the environmental NPO Conservation International announced. Among the newly found species, an amphibious mouse with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was found among them.

About the 2022 Scientific Expedition

Notably, this expedition took place between June and July 2022. It was a 38-day expedition and at least 13 scientists, local technicians and members of Indigenous groups participated. A total of 2,046 species were recorded during the whole expedition using cameras, bio acoustic sensors, and DNA sampling. Among them, 49 were classified as endangered, including a yellow-tailed woolly monkey and a tree monkey.

Discovered Species During Expedition

The scientists also discovered some other species, including a spiny mouse, a squirrel, eight types of fish, three amphibians, and 10 types of butterflies, Trond Larsen, head of Conservation Internationals Rapid Assessment Program, reported to Reuters.

Larsen further also revealed that there were another 48 species found during the investigation, which were potentially new but needed further study. These new species were found in Alto Mayo, which is a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories, and villages.

Reflecting upon his experience, he noted, Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo.

It was really fantastic to work closely with the Awajun people. They have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals, and plants they live side by side with, he added.

Physical Attributes

He also shared about the physical structure of the newly discovered species, including a spiny mouse that has stiff fur, the amphibious mouse, and a dwarf squirrel that measures 14 cm (5.5 inches).

The squirrel fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown color, very fast, Larsen highlighted, adding that it jumps quickly and hides in the trees.

Blob-headed fish was another impressive discovery by the scientists during the 2022 expedition. It is a type of armored catfish, found deep inside the seas. Scientifically it is named Psychrolutes Marcidus; it inhabits the deep waters of the coasts and is adapted to depth, where the pressure is intense.