A breakthrough study from Smithsonian researchers identifies five new soft-furred gymnures in Southeast Asia
A recent study conducted by scientists at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History reports the discovery of five new soft-furred gymnures in Southeast Asia. The research findings were published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.
Gymnures, also known as moonrats, are small mammals within the porcupine family that are characterized by their soft fur rather than spines. Prior to this study, only two species of gymnures were widely recognized. The researchers examined an impressive collection of 232 animal samples and 85 tissue samples drawn from 14 museum collections across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
DNA analysis revealed seven distinct genetic lineages within the genus Hylomys. This genetic diversity led the team to hypothesize that additional, previously unrecognized species existed, an hypothesis supported by careful morphological comparisons. Researchers assessed skull shape and size, dental patterns, and fur characteristics across the 232 specimens to confirm the presence of new species.
Two of the newly described species have been named H. vorax and H. makarong. They inhabit the Leuser ecosystem, a tropical forest region spanning northern Sumatra and southern Vietnam. The specimens studied had been preserved in museum boxes for 84 and 62 years, respectively, before their identities were clarified. The name H. makarong draws from the Vietnamese word Ma cà rồng, meaning vampire, in reference to the long, fang-like incisors observed in males. In addition, scientists have reassessed three previously documented gymnure subspecies and elevated them to full species status.
These small mammals are active both day and night and consume a varied diet that includes insects, other invertebrates, and fruit. They are believed to nest and take shelter in tree cavities, while foraging among roots, stones, and leaf litter on the forest floor.
Earlier work in this field faced challenges due to fragmented data and limited specimen availability, but the current study leverages a broad, cross-continental sample set and modern genetic analyses to refine our understanding of gymnure diversity. The research highlights the importance of natural history collections and international collaboration in uncovering hidden biodiversity. (Attribution: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, with data from multiple museum collections.)