<p>Lima: An "amphibious mouse" with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/peru">Peru's</a> Amazon, according to Conservation International.</p><p>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 <em>Reuters</em> this week.</p><p>He added that another 48 species found by investigators were potentially new, but needed further study.</p><p>The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.</p>.Study finds baby's first sounds directly linked to changes in heart rate.<p>"Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo," Larsen said.</p><p>The expedition between June and July 2022 was made up of 13 scientists plus local technicians and members of Indigenous groups.</p><p>"It was really fantastic to work so closely with the Awajun people. They have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants they live side-by-side with," Larsen said.</p><p>Among the new species, Larsen highlighted the spiny mouse that has stiff fur, the amphibious mouse, and a dwarf squirrel that measures 14 cm (5.5 in).</p><p>"(The squirrel) fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown color, very fast," Larsen said. "It jumps quickly and hides in the trees."</p><p>Another favorite discovery was the blob-headed fish, a type of armored catfish, he said.</p><p>A total of 2,046 species were recorded during the 38-day expedition using camera traps, bioacoustic sensors and DNA sampling. Among them, 49 were classified as threatened, including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the tree monkey.</p><p>Larsen said the discoveries reinforced the need to protect the area.</p><p>"Unless steps are taken now to safeguard these sites and help restore parts of the landscape ... there's a strong chance they won't persist in the long term," Larsen said.</p>
<p>Lima: An "amphibious mouse" with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/peru">Peru's</a> Amazon, according to Conservation International.</p><p>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 <em>Reuters</em> this week.</p><p>He added that another 48 species found by investigators were potentially new, but needed further study.</p><p>The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.</p>.Study finds baby's first sounds directly linked to changes in heart rate.<p>"Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo," Larsen said.</p><p>The expedition between June and July 2022 was made up of 13 scientists plus local technicians and members of Indigenous groups.</p><p>"It was really fantastic to work so closely with the Awajun people. They have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants they live side-by-side with," Larsen said.</p><p>Among the new species, Larsen highlighted the spiny mouse that has stiff fur, the amphibious mouse, and a dwarf squirrel that measures 14 cm (5.5 in).</p><p>"(The squirrel) fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown color, very fast," Larsen said. "It jumps quickly and hides in the trees."</p><p>Another favorite discovery was the blob-headed fish, a type of armored catfish, he said.</p><p>A total of 2,046 species were recorded during the 38-day expedition using camera traps, bioacoustic sensors and DNA sampling. Among them, 49 were classified as threatened, including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the tree monkey.</p><p>Larsen said the discoveries reinforced the need to protect the area.</p><p>"Unless steps are taken now to safeguard these sites and help restore parts of the landscape ... there's a strong chance they won't persist in the long term," Larsen said.</p>