Peru: Detecting new rodents similar to squirrels

A new ' stunning ' animal has been discovered in Peru's wooded forests. New rodents detect similar squirrel species and have a close " relationship " with thorny mice.

The new species, named Isothrix barbarabrownae, has been discovered by field researchers in Manu National Park and the Conservation of Organisms along the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains in southern Peru. Manu Park is a " home " for large-scale mammals and animals.

This is a nocturnal tree-climbing rodent with long, bushy cilia on the top of its head, a large head, and a thick-covered tail.

'Preliminary DNA analyzes show that Isothrix barbarabrownae has ancestors from animals living in the Andes mountains. This newly discovered animal has created a new concept that impresses on the evolutionary path of all tree-eating rodents, ' Bruce Patterson, who manages mammals from Field Museum in Chicago (USA), said.

Isothrix barbarabrownae - an impressive discovery of rodents
in the forests of Peru. It lives on trees. (Photo: NewScientist)

Thien Kha