(CNN) – Researchers on an expedition to Peru have discovered 27 animal species new to science, and some are very interesting.
“New to science” means that the species has never been subjected to the formal scientific process by which it was given a scientific name.
Researchers discovered four mammals, eight fish, three amphibians and ten species of butterflies.
Among them is the drophead fish, which gets its name from its enlarged, teardrop-shaped head. Its bizarre head resembles a giant, swollen nose and scientists don’t know the purpose of this feature.
There is also an amphibious mouse with webbed toes to adapt to life in the water.
Other new mammals discovered by the team include a spiny mouse, a short-tailed fruit bat and a pygmy squirrel.
The survey was conducted by an environmental nonprofit during a 38-day expedition in 2022.
Copyright 2024 CNN Newssource. All rights reserved.