New Species Discovered in Peru’s Alto Mayo Region Amid Conservation Challenges

In an extraordinary discovery, researchers have identified 27 new species in the Alto Mayo region of north-west Peru, including a rare amphibious mouse, a tree-climbing salamander, and an unusual “blob-headed fish.” The findings come from a 38-day survey that documented over 2,000 species of wildlife and plants, shedding light on the rich biodiversity of the area.

Despite facing significant pressures from deforestation and agricultural expansion, the Alto Mayo region, which supports around 280,000 people, continues to be a hotspot for wildlife. Dr. Trond Larsen, senior director of biodiversity and ecosystem science at Conservation International’s Moore Centre for Science, led the survey and expressed his surprise at the wealth of species discovered. "The region has a long history of land-use change and environmental degradation, so I was thrilled to find such high species richness, including many new and rare species, many of which may be found nowhere else," he said.

Among the new species are four mammals, including a spiny mouse, a short-tailed fruit bat, a dwarf squirrel, and a semi-aquatic mouse. The discovery of the amphibious mouse, which lives in a single swamp forest patch threatened by agriculture, was particularly exciting. "This group of carnivorous, semi-aquatic rodents is exceedingly rare, and finding one of them was a remarkable discovery," Larsen noted.

The survey also uncovered a new species of salamander, which is notable for its ability to climb trees. The creature's stubby legs and chestnut-brown coloring make it a unique addition to the region's biodiversity. Another fascinating find was the “blob-headed fish,” which resembles related catfish but features a bizarre, speckled blob-like extension on its head. The function of this mysterious "blob" remains unclear, with researchers speculating it could aid in buoyancy control, foraging, or house sensory organs.

In addition to the new species, the survey recorded 49 threatened species, including critically endangered monkeys like the Peruvian yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the San Martin titi monkey, as well as endangered birds and frogs. The data collected will contribute to global conservation efforts, with particular emphasis on creating a network of local protected areas.

The expedition, conducted in 2022, involved advanced techniques such as camera traps, bioacoustic sensors, and environmental DNA sampling from rivers. The team consisted of 13 scientists, including local Peruvian researchers, as well as technical assistants from the Indigenous Regional Federation of the Alto Mayo Awajún Communities (Feriaam). Local Awajún community members played a critical role in the research, sharing their extensive traditional knowledge of the land and its species.

While many of the species had been previously known to Indigenous communities, they were not formally documented in the scientific world. "We know the value of our plants, how they cure us, how they feed us, and we know paths in the forest where we meet different animals," said Yulisa Tuwi, an Awajún researcher who assisted with the survey. "The discoveries are for the scientific world, but we already know these species by other names."

With this wealth of new knowledge, researchers hope their findings will help strengthen conservation efforts in the region and promote the creation of protected areas to safeguard the unique biodiversity of the Alto Mayo.