27 new, exciting, and blobby species discovered in the Peruvian rainforest

Rain frogs, amphibious rats and ‘blobhead’ fish are just some of the 27 new species Discover the depths of Peru’s Amazon rainforest. In a 2022 survey, a team from Conservation International recorded a total of 2,046 species living in this lush forest, many of which are at risk of extinction.

All of these creatures were discovered in the Altomayo landscape, which straddles the Andes and the Amazon River. Alto Mayo Reserve Forest. The Alto Mayo landscape is not one static environment, but a complex mix of different ecosystems and communities, including indigenous territories, cities, and towns.

Of the total 2,046 species recorded, at least 34 appear to occur exclusively in the Alto Mayo River. To document so many species, scientists supplemented traditional survey methods with camera traps, bioacoustic sensors, and environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from the water.

meet the mammals

Among the 151 mammals recorded by the research team: 4 people are beginners in science. These include spiny rats, bats, squirrels, and a very rare amphibious rat with webbed feet. At least 12 of these species are at risk of extinction.

This semi-aquatic (amphibious) mouse (Daptomys sp.) is a scientific first. This species belongs to the world’s rarest group of semi-aquatic rodents, and the few known species have only been observed by scientists a few times, and much about their ecology is still unknown. . Credit: © Conservation International/Photo by Ronald Diaz. Ronald Diaz

Something is suspicious

Sixty-eight species of fish were recorded during the 38-day expedition. eight Among them are some mysterious “bulky-headed” fish, some of which are unfamiliar to science. Scientists still don’t know exactly what the function of this blob is.

A colorfully finned tetra species (Knodus sp.) discovered during a RAP expedition to Altomayo, Peru. This is a scientific first. Closely related species are popular in the aquarium industry. Credit: © Conservation International/Photography: Robinson Olivera. robinson olivera

scaly crew

This tropical region is well known for its fascinating and fearsome reptiles. The research team recorded 45 reptiles and amphibians. Three amphibians are science novices– Rain frogs, narrow-mouthed frogs, and climbing salamanders.

This frog species (Pristimantis sp.), often known as the robber frog or rain frog, is one of three new amphibians discovered on a RAP expedition to Alto Mayo, Peru. With approximately 600 described species, this genus of frogs is the most diverse (with the most species) of all vertebrates (animals with backbones) in the world. Credit: © Conservation International/Photo by Frank Condri. Frank Condori

winged creatures

There were insects crawling there too…289 to be exact. They discovered 218 species of butterflies and 71 scarab beetles. Of these, 12 are new to science, including 10 butterflies and two beetles.

This bald butterfly (Oleria sp.) was one of 218 butterfly species observed during the expedition. Most butterfly wings are covered with colorful scales, but the transparent parts of the wings help butterflies avoid detection from predators in the dark understory of the rainforest. Credit: © Conservation International/Photography: Marlon Dag. Marlon Doug

An astonishing 536 species of birds were discovered. 26 of these birds on the verge of extinctionthe spotted-breasted piculet and the long-bearded owl.

*Rufast Kikoket (*Lofornis Delatrei) It is a spectacular species of hummingbird that is rarely observed. The RAP expedition recorded many species of hummingbirds, with a total of 536 species of birds, 26 of which are endangered. Credit: © Conservation International/Photography: Marlon Dag. Marlon Doug

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To plants and beyond

Among the fauna, the team Recorded 955 types of plants. Ten of these species are endangered, including rare orchids and plants found only in this region. Additionally, the 48 species of plants and animals observed on this expedition may also be new to science. More research is needed to name these.

Drone photo of a river meandering through the Alto Mayo landscape. The region’s diversity of rivers and wetlands contributes to the great diversity of flora and fauna found there, and is critical to sustaining local indigenous communities. Credit: © Trond Larsen. Trond Larsen

relationships

In addition to this amazing wild biodiversity, the Alto Mayo landscape has a relatively high population density. This has led to serious environmental pressures, including deforestation and agricultural expansion.

Data from this expedition will also inform plans to connect the Alto Mayo Reserve and the Escalera Mountains Regional Reserve. This creates ecological corridors that are essential for the survival of the species. This newly collected data will also inform spatial management planning for the Alto Mayo landscape. The plan aims to conserve biodiversity, increase agricultural sustainability and ensure essential ecosystem services on which local indigenous communities depend.

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“It’s amazing to discover four new mammal species on any expedition,” said Tron Larsen, director of Conservation International’s rapid assessment program at the Moore Science Center. “It’s unusual to find such a mammal.” stated in a statement. “This is a vibrant, dynamic mosaic of ecosystems, both natural and human-made, that we need to maintain and restore if we want to conserve the species found there.”

Peruvian scientists and local experts with extensive traditional knowledge from the Indigenous Regional Federation of the Alto Mayo Ahuajun Community (FERIAAM) are also essential to the success of this expedition and will play a role in the actions arising from it. Become.

Yulisa Tuwi, an Awajún woman who helped with the reptile and amphibian research, said: “This rapid assessment shows that the Awajún people have a deep connection to nature, and we need to protect our culture, natural resources, and territory. You can.” stated in a statement. “By participating in this research, I have gained a deeper understanding of how plants, animals and ecosystems interact and that this is part of our Awajung cosmology. ”