Australian scientists have unveiled the discovery of two new species of native rodents, offering fresh insights into the country’s rich biodiversity.
In a groundbreaking study published on Thursday, researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization described and named two new species of the delicate mouse, previously thought to be a single species spanning the continent.
The delicate mouse, the smallest of Australia’s native mice measuring up to 7.5 centimeters in length, was reclassified into three distinct species using advanced genetic technology. These have been named based on their geographical locations: the western delicate mouse, eastern delicate mouse, and northern delicate mouse.
Emily Roycroft, the lead author of the study from ANU, highlighted the significance of this discovery for conservation and research efforts. She stated, "The two new species haven’t had any conservation or research attention because we didn’t know they were there. We don’t know, for example, if population declines have gone undetected as a result of all three species being assessed as a single unit."
The study revealed that delicate mice have remarkably adapted to diverse environments across Australia, ranging from arid deserts to lush forests. Roycroft emphasized that these native rodents have been evolving in Australia for five million years but face competition from introduced invasive species such as house mice and black and brown rats.
This discovery underscores the importance of genetic research in understanding and preserving Australia’s unique wildlife. It also raises awareness about the need for targeted conservation strategies to protect these newly identified species from potential threats.
The researchers hope that this revelation will prompt further studies and conservation actions to ensure the survival of these native rodents, which play a vital role in Australia’s ecological landscape.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
