An international team of scientists from Ecuador, Germany and Colombia discovered a new species of wild spiny mouse, Neacomys marci, in the Choco region of northwestern Ecuador. Neacomys marci became the 24th representative of its genus. To work published In the scientific journal ZooKeys.
Spiny mice, or akomis, resemble their field or household relatives, but their backs are covered with real needles, reminiscent of hedgehogs. Akomis are also known for their ability to fully regenerate, allowing their wounds to heal completely without leaving a scar.
The new rodent species is named after Marc Hoogeslag, co-founder and director of the Land Acquisition Foundation, a Netherlands-based conservation organization that helps local groups around the world create ecological reserves and protect endangered species.
The Choco region is considered one of the most biodiverse regions in South America, but is also one of the least studied, despite its large size (along the Pacific coasts of Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador).
Zoologists before I learnedwild jackdaws easily abandon their companions for tasty meals, but remain loyal to their families.