In 2022, a team of scientists conducted an expedition in Peru’s Amazon and discovered 27 new species, including an amphibious mouse with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects. The team also discovered a spiny mouse, a squirrel, various fish species, amphibians, and butterflies. The expedition took place in Alto Mayo, a protected area that includes various ecosystems, Indigenous territories, and villages. The team, consisting of 13 scientists, local technicians, and Indigenous group members, used camera traps, bioacoustic sensors, and DNA sampling to identify the species. Among the significant discoveries were the spiny mouse with stiff fur, a dwarf squirrel measuring only 14 cm, and a blob-headed fish, a type of armored catfish. In addition, 48 species were recognized as possibly new, though they need further research.

The discoveries emphasize the importance of preserving areas like Alto Mayo, where many species are at risk due to human influence. According to Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program, the findings highlight the critical need to protect such ecosystems before these species disappear. The new species were found in a landscape heavily affected by human activity, yet it remains rich in biodiversity. Larsen pointed out that traditional knowledge from the Awajun people, who live in the region, was invaluable in understanding the local environment. The discoveries also showed that, despite challenges, the area has immense potential for conservation, underscoring the urgent need for protective measures to ensure the long-term survival of these species.