Discovered new super healthy shrews

Scientists have discovered new shrews with special backbone structures that help them gain extraordinary power.

Scientists have discovered a new African 'hero' shrew that is believed to be one of the strongest and most robust mammals in the animal world.

This shrew, called Scutisorex thorium , is less than 30cm long and weighs only about 50 grams, however it can lift heavy logs. Known as the "hero shrew" , this Congo-dwelling animal can withstand very strong slaps on its back.

The small shrew has extraordinary strength

William Stanley, a scientist from the British Museum of Natural History, said locals described the toughness of this small animal to them. When the researchers showed them the record of this species recorded in the early 1900s, the locals immediately recognized this shrew.

Mr. Stanley said that local people often use this type of shrew as a charm to become immortal in the battle before the arrow. To illustrate, a resident stood stepping on this little shrew for 5 minutes, then he left without any harm.

Stanley and his colleagues captured a few shrews near Baleko village to study to uncover the mystery of the animal's power. The analysis shows that this animal is both similar and different from another heroic shrew, Scutisorex somereni.

The biggest common point between these two shrews is their unique backbone structure. Stanley said: 'Their backbone is significantly reinforced, whereby they have a tremendous power.

The researchers believe that this spine structure, along with the accompanying muscles, allows the shrew to "lift heavy objects to access food sources that other animals cannot reach."

Special spine structure of the "hero shrew"

Mr. Stanley said the shrews could crawl under a log and lift it up to enjoy the larvae and other food below.

The unusual spine structure of this shrew is the result of a long and gradual evolution. The backbone structure with these closely linked vertebrae is very beneficial for the shrews. However, it also has some weaknesses. Because of this spine structure, the 'hero' shrews are less flexible than other animals with more typical backbone structures.

However, it is only a small defect, in return they will have greater ability to find prey hiding under a tree or log.

Researcher Kristofer Helgen of the National Museum of Natural History said: 'The discovery of the new heroic shrew is a striking discovery that shows the diversity of life on this planet is still a topic that requires scientists to continue research ".

Meanwhile, Stanley predicts that they will continue to discover more new animals in the Congo and that the "discovery era is not over yet."