Scientists discovered new Mouse Opossum species in Peru’s remote cloud forest

Scientists discovered new Mouse Opossum species in Peru’s remote cloud forest (Image: Live Science/Pedro Peloso)

Biologists have identified a new species of mouse opossum, Marmosa chachapoya. The small marsupial was found in Río Abiseo National Park in Peru. At only four inches (10 cm) long, it is a small marsupial with a reddish-brown body and distinctive facial markings.

A Discovery by Chance

It was sighted for the first time during an expedition in 2018 led by biologist Silvia Pavan of Cal Poly Humboldt. They were searching for a rare squirrel species when they accidentally discovered the previously unknown marsupial. It was living at an elevation of around 2,664 metres (8,740 feet) high, higher than most other opossums.

Confirming a New Species

A variety of methods were employed to ascertain its uniqueness, including DNA analysis and morphology, as well as comparing it with museum specimens from all around the world. Published in American Museum Novitates, they named the new species Marmosa chachapoya, in honour of the Chachapoya peoples native to northern Peru.

Importance of the Conservation

So far, only a single specimen has been collected, meaning we do not know much about its distribution or behaviour. The discovery highlights the need to conserve Río Abiseo, a haven for unique and threatened species like the yellow-tailed woolly monkey.

The finding also highlights the importance of exploration and conservation in revealing the hidden wildlife of Earth, offering hope that other unique species await discovery in remote ecosystems.