A team of scientists, including researchers from the Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, reported discoveries in Southeast Asia that add five new mammal species to the record. These animals belong to the gymnura family, a group related to hedgehogs but lacking feathers. The finding is notable because new mammal species are relatively rare, and this group has been among the most studied yet still revealed undocumented diversity.
The results, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, were achieved through fresh genetic and morphological analyses applied to specimens held in scientific collections. These methods enable museums to recognize previously unknown species.
Gymnuras are small mammals in the hedgehog family, but instead of spines they bear softer fur and a pointed nose, distinguishing them from true porcupines and other rodents.
Lacking the spines of their kin, the soft-furred gymnuras resemble a cross between a mouse and a short-tailed shrew at first glance.
Lead author Arlo Hinckley explains that soft-furred hedgehogs, without the spines seen in related species, present a unique blend of features. His work began during a doctoral program at the Doñana Biological Station and expanded through field studies and museum research.
These newly described species belong to the gymnuran group, focused around the taxon hylomys, with Southeast Asian populations previously represented by only two known species.
They are omnivorous and active both day and night.
Researchers describe these small mammals as both diurnal and nocturnal omnivores, likely feeding on a broad range of insects and other invertebrates, as well as fruits when opportunities arise.
Based on the habits of their closest relatives and field observations, Hinckley notes that these species probably nest and rest in holes while foraging among tree roots, fallen logs, rocks, grassy patches, shrubs, and leaf litter. Yet, because studies on their behavior are still limited, many details of their natural history remain speculative.
They nest and take shelter in holes while searching for food among tree roots, fallen logs, rocks, grassy areas, weeds and leaf litter.
The inquiry into this group began in 2016 as part of Hinckley’s doctoral research at the Doñana Biological Station, with initial field sampling in Borneo alongside co-author Miguel Camacho Sánchez.
Early genetic data and analyses of several known Southeast Asian populations suggested there could be more species within the group than previously recognized. This prompted a thorough examination of natural history collections, many of which contained only preserved skins and skulls.
Data mining in museums
During a project at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Hinckley explored the museum’s collections to address geographic gaps in the specimens studied. He collaborated with a museum curator who specializes in mammals to broaden the geographic and taxonomic picture.
Hinckley notes that the help of museum staff made the discovery possible, preserving specimens and their original provenance for decades.
These samples had languished in drawers for years before modern techniques helped clarify their identity. Some specimens had not been reassessed for 84 years, and others had waited 62 years in major U.S. institutions.
By applying contemporary genetic approaches, researchers could identify these specimens long after their collection, suggesting that future generations may find even more new species.
Ultimately, Hinckley, Hawkins, and their collaborators gathered 232 physical samples and 85 tissue samples for genetic analysis, drawing on modern and historical specimens from at least 14 natural history collections across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Spain’s role in the efforts
The project continued with genetic analysis conducted in the ancient DNA laboratories at the Doñana Biological Station and in the Analytical Biology Laboratory of a museum. Detailed physical observations of skulls, teeth, and fur accompanied the genetic work.
The results revealed seven distinct genetic lineages, indicating that the number of recognized species in this group was set to rise considerably. This conclusion was reinforced by careful morphological examination of the specimens.
Hawkins notes that many people may be surprised to hear there are still undiscovered mammals, but there is much that remains unknown, especially among smaller, nocturnal animals that can be difficult to distinguish.
The study identified two entirely new species and three that had previously been considered subspecies of a related taxon. The newly named species include Hylomys vorax and Hylomys macaroni, with the latter endemic to the Leuser ecosystem in Southeast Asia. One specimen originated in southern Vietnam, while the other came from northern Sumatra.
A distinctive Hylomys specimen
Hylomys macaroni bears dark brown fur and measures about 14 centimeters in length. Its name pays homage to a Vietnamese expression that translates roughly to