Environment where specimens of Neacomys marci were gathered in the study. Credit: Jorge Brito
Neacomys is an extensively distributed genus of little spiny or bristly rodents that inhabit habitats in eastern Panama and the northern half of South America. Considering that 2017, studies of the genus have actually been remarkably dynamic, resulting in the description of numerous brand-new types.
However, as there are still numerous untouched locations in South America and adjacent Central America (Panama), some of the currently acknowledged species have not been studied thoroughly, and the true diversity of the genus might be underestimated.
The Chocó biogeographic area is considered one of the most varied biodiversity hotspots in South America, however one of the least studied in spite of its fantastic size (along the Pacific coasts of Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador). The rainforests of northwestern Ecuador have high biodiversity and endemism due to the impact of the Chocó and the Andes Mountains.
Live specimen of Neacomys marci in its natural environment. Credit: Jorge Brito
Methodologies and Acknowledgments
Major reviews of museum collections and increased field collection efforts have actually assisted scientists understand Neacomys marci and other species. Molecular analysis is likewise being used to assist with more accurate animal group recognition.
The brand-new types was called after Marc Hoogeslag of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, who was co-founder and leader of the International Union for Conservation of Nature– Netherlands Land Acquisition Fund, which helps regional groups around the globe develop brand-new environmental reserves and conserve endangered species. The EcoMinga Foundations Manduriacu Reserve, home to this brand-new types, is one of many reserves that have actually benefited from Hoogeslags program.
Referral: “New types of the Spiny Mouse genus Neacomys (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) from northwestern Ecuador” by Nicolás Tinoco, Claudia Koch, Javier E. Colmenares-Pinzón, Francisco X. Castellanos and Jorge Brito, 17 August 2023, ZooKeys.DOI: 10.3897/ zookeys.1175.106113.
Neacomys marci, a new spiny mouse species, was discovered in Ecuador and called in honor of conservationist Marc Hoogeslag. Live specimen of new types Neacomys marci in its natural environment. Credit: Jorge Brito
A brand-new species of spiny mouse has been discovered in Ecuador, making it the 14th of its genus to be identified in the previous 5 years. Neacomys marci, which was previously confused with another species, is around the length of a tennis ball, with a long tail, pale suede belly fur and a white throat.
Area and Significance
Found in the Chocó biogeographic area in northwestern Ecuador, it is the 24th officially acknowledged species in its genus, which has actually seen considerable turmoil in the last few years.
Researchers Nicolás Tinoco, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador ( Quito), Claudia Koch, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change ( Germany), Javier E. Colmenares-Pinzón, Universidad Industrial de Santander ( Colombia) and Jorge Brito, Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad ( Quito, Ecuador) released their description of the rodent in the open gain access to journal Zookeys.