The Groundbreaking expedition in 2022 to Peru’s Amazon, led by Conservation International, has unveiled 27 new species, underscoring the incredible biodiversity of the region. Among these discoveries are an “amphibious mouse” with partially webbed feet, a spiny mouse with stiff fur, and a dwarf squirrel measuring only 14 cm in length. Trond Larsen, head of the Rapid Assessment Programme, said he was surprised by such a wide variety of new species in Alto Mayo, an area heavily impacted by human activities.
The Alto Mayo Expedition
Between June and July 2022, a team of 13 scientists, local technicians, and members of the Awajún Indigenous group embarked on a 38-day journey to survey the ecosystems of Alto Mayo, a protected area teeming with biodiversity. They deployed camera traps, bioacoustic sensors, and DNA sampling and had successfully documented a number of astonishing 2,046 species, with 49 marked as threatened, including yellow-tailed woolly monkeys and the tree monkey, requiring urgent attention to their conservation.
The researchers acknowledged that the invaluable contributions of the Awajún people greatly added to their knowledge of local flora and fauna, making their expedition extremely rewarding.
| Larsen
“It was fantastic to work so closely with the Awajún community”
“It is this Indigenous knowledge that is very critical for uncovering the natural treasures of Alto Mayo.”
Other Notable Species Found
Amphibious Mouse: This special rodent, with partially webbed feet, feeds on aquatic insects and is an evolutionary adaptation to its water-based habitat.
Spiny Mouse: Its stiff fur characterizes this species as one of the many mammals that inhabit Alto Mayo.
Dwarf Squirrel: This tiny squirrel, 14 cm long, has chestnut-brown fur and has been described as “adorable and beautiful” in its quick movements.
Blob-Headed Fish: A species of armored catfish that is unique, adding to the diversity of aquatic species found in the region.
The expedition also discovered eight new types of fish, three amphibians, and ten butterfly species, further emphasizing the richness of Alto Mayo’s ecosystems.
A Call For Conservation
Despite these exciting finds, the research points out an urgent necessity for preservation. Larsen cautioned that unless immediate protection measures and restoration of Alto Mayo’s ecosystems are done, these species may not survive in the long run.
“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 future,”
Larsen
It increases the appreciation of biodiversity in Peruvian Amazon and brings about awareness to the fact that critical indigenous collaboration with pressing conservations work are necessary for us to continue preserving our natural heritage in the planet.
