Researchers discover 27 animal species new to science
(CNN) – Researchers on an expedition in Peru discovered 27 animal species new to science, and some are quite interesting.
“New to science” means the species has never before gone through the formal scientific process through which they are given a scientific name.
The researchers unearthed four mammals, eight fish, three amphibians and 10 butterfly species.
Among them is the blob-headed fish, which gets its name from its enlarged, blob-like head. Its bizarre head looks like a giant swollen nose and scientists don’t know this feature’s purpose.
There’s also an amphibious mouse with webbed toes to adapt for life in water.
Other new mammals discovered by the team include a spiny mouse, a short-tailed fruit bat and a dwarf squirrel.
The survey was conducted by an environmental non-profit over a 38-day expedition in 2022.
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