New species of marsupial discovered in the Peruvian Amazon

A scientific team has discovered a new species of marsupial in a natural park in the Peruvian Amazon, the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp) reported on Wednesday (16).

The discovery took place in the Río Abiseo National Park, in the San Martín region, about 720 km northeast of Lima, in an area of high mountain cloud forests, 2,664 meters above sea level.

"Each new species discovered is proof that our protected areas fulfill their role: to conserve, generate knowledge and contribute to the well-being of society," Sernanp said in a statement.

The marsupial was named Marmosa chachapoya and is distinguished by its reddish-brown coat, grayish underbelly, long, narrow face, and a prehensile tail much longer than its body.

Its dark facial mask does not reach the base of its ears, which are covered with yellowish hair.

"This marsupial represents a significant expansion of the subgenus Stegomarmosa into the high Andean zones. The morphological and genetic differences found allow it to be clearly distinguished from other known species," explained Sernanp.

The work was carried out by Brazilians Silvia Pavan and Edson Abreu, and by American Robert Voss.

Abiseo River National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to unique ecosystems ranging from tropical jungles to montane forests. It covers an area of 274,520 hectares.

Its natural isolation and low human intervention make it an ideal space for science.

“Thanks to this protection, species like the Marmosa chachapoya have managed to remain hidden for centuries,” highlighted the Peruvian conservation authority.

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