A team of scientists from Ecuador, Germany, and Colombia has identified a new wild spiny mouse species in the Choco region of northwestern Ecuador. The rodent, named Neacomys marci, adds the 24th known member to its genus and marks a notable milestone published in ZooKeys. The discovery underscores how much there is yet to learn in this richly diverse part of South America.
Spiny mice, often called akomis, share some traits with common field and household mice but carry a striking defense close to home: their backs are covered with needle-like hairs that echo hedgehog spines. Beyond their distinctive appearance, akomis are remarkable for their regenerative powers. These rodents can heal wounds without leaving scars, revealing a resilience that has intrigued biologists and conservationists alike.
The new species is named in honor of Marc Hoogeslag, a founder and director of a Netherlands-based conservation group, the Land Acquisition Foundation. The organization supports local communities in creating ecological reserves and safeguarding endangered species around the globe, recognizing the importance of community-led conservation in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable land stewardship.
The Choco region stands out for its extraordinary biodiversity. Spanning the Pacific coast in parts of Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador, it remains one of the least studied areas despite its vast ecological riches. The discovery of Neacomys marci adds to the growing recognition that this region hosts unique life forms, many of which are not yet described by science. This finding helps illuminate the ecological complexity of the Choco and reinforces the need for continued fieldwork, habitat protection, and long-term monitoring to understand how species interact within this vibrant landscape.
Researchers involved in the project emphasize the broader significance of documenting new species. Each discovery contributes to a dynamic picture of evolutionary relationships among rodents and other mammals, informing conservation priorities and the management of ecosystems that sustain both wildlife and human communities. The identification of Neacomys marci demonstrates how international collaboration can advance knowledge and support biodiversity protections at local, regional, and global levels.
In addition to its scientific value, the study highlights the role of responsible conservation funding and partnerships. Naming a species after a conservation advocate helps draw attention to the people and programs working to preserve habitats, promote sustainable development, and reduce pressures on wildlife populations in regions facing habitat loss, climate change impacts, and resource extraction pressures. This approach aligns with broader efforts to protect biodiversity while supporting indigenous and local initiatives that depend on healthy ecosystems for livelihoods and well-being.