New Carnivorous Mammal Species Discovered
For the first time in 35 years, a new species of carnivorous mammal has been discovered in the world. Native to the Colombian and Ecuadorian forests, the animal is the youngest member of the raccoon family and has been identified by a team of scientists led by the Smithsonian Institute of the USA.
The little creature, a creature of just under a pound, though it was named after the scientific name of Misty Bassaricyon, was affectionately named "Olinguito" - if we can consider that name affectionate! Interestingly, this mammal is part of the Olingo genus, of which there are numerous specimens displayed in zoos and museums. In addition, many of these animals have even been tracked and studied in the wild.
Detailed analysis
However, when the scientists began a detailed analysis of the various olingo species out there, they realized that some of the animals examined had very different characteristics from other specimens, such as longer coat and smaller skull.
From this curious discovery, the team decided to go to the field - specifically the Andean forests of Ecuador - to see if this new species could still be found in the wild. And indeed - and fortunately as well - the researchers found some groups, noting that these animals eat mostly fruit, tend to stay on trees for a long time, and are creatures of nocturnal habits.
Despite the findings, the researchers admit that they know very little about the Olinguito, and that there are many questions that need to be answered about these animals. It is not known, for example, how many countries these animals can be found in, or how to ensure their preservation. The map below shows the areas - marked with black dots - in which the occurrence of the new mammal has been confirmed.
