27 new species like 'blob-headed' fish & amphibious mouse discovered in Peru rainforest

27 new species have been discovered by researchers in a rainforest in Peru.

According to Conservation International, the new species include four new mammals, eight fish, three amphibian and 10 butterfly species.

The organisation said that the discovery is "remarkable" due to the high population density in the region.

Species discovered during expedition into the Alto Mayo Landscape

The discovery was a result of an expedition by Conservation International into the Alto Mayo Landscape.

The survey, which lasted for 38 days, recorded 2,000 species within the Alto Mayo Landscape, which stretches from the Andes to the Amazon.

According to Conservation International, the area also includes the Alto Mayo Protected Forest, a complex mosaic of ecosystems and communities, Indigenous territories, towns and cities.

The species discovered include:

• 151 mammals of which four are new to science including a bat, a squirrel, a spiny mouse and an exceedingly rare amphibious mouse. At least 12 species are threatened with extinction.
• 68 fish species, with eight new to science including a bizarre 'blob-headed' fish for which the function of its unusual head remains a mystery.
• 45 reptiles and amphibians, of which three amphibians are new to science including a rainfrog, a narrow-mouthed frog and a climbing salamander.
• 289 insects including 218 butterfly species and 71 scarab beetles. 12 insects are new to science, including 10 butterflies and two beetles.
• 536 Birds with a diversity of species, including 26 threatened with extinction.

Other non-animal species such as 955 plants were also discovered, with 10 threatened with extinction including rare orchids and other flora which can only be found in the region.

Apart from these species, ongoing discoveries include 48 other species of plants and animals which may also be new to science and require further research for confirmation.

Region where species were discovered should be maintained and restored

At least 34 out of the 2,046 total species recorded appear to be living only in the Alto Mayo landscape or Peru’s San Martin region.

Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program in the Moore Center for Science's lead Trond Larsen described the discovery of the four new mammals as "surprising", and that "finding them in a region with significant human populations is extraordinary".

He noted that the region is a "vibrant, dynamic mosaic of ecosystems" which should be maintained and restored to protect the species discovered.

Top photos via Conservation International