A New species of marsupial It has been discovered in the National Park of the Abiseo River, in the San Martín region, consolidating once again the fundamental role of protected natural areas as key shelters for biodiversity. This is the Marossa Chachapoyaa small marsupial that lives in high mountain cloud forests, at 2,664 meters above sea level.
The finding was led by an international team of scientists made up of Silvia E. Pavan, Edson F. Abreu, Pamela Y. Sánchez-Vendizú and Robert S. Vossand has been documented in the prestigious scientific bulletin American Museum Novitates. The species is distinguished by its reddish brown fur, anteado belly with gray base, elongated face, ears covered by yellowish hairs and a presile tail that exceeds the body in length. Its dark facial mask does not reach the basis of the ears, a particular feature that contributed to its identification.
This new marsupial represents an important altitude expansion of the subgenre Stegomarmosa and was classified as a different species by its marked morphological and genetic differences with respect to other known specimens.
From the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp)the relevance of this finding was highlighted. “Each new discovered species is proof that our protected areas fulfill their role: conserve, generate knowledge and contribute to the welfare of society,” said the institution.
He Abyseo River National Park, declared World Heritage by UNESCOcovers diverse ecosystems that range from tropical jungles to montane forests. His natural isolation and low human intervention make him an ideal natural laboratory for science and conservation.
The discovery of the Marossa Chachapoya Not only enriches the biological inventory of Peru, but also underlines the need to protect high Andean ecosystems, vulnerable to threats such as climate change and extractive activities. It also values the joint work of scientists, local communities and environmental managers in the defense of the country’s natural heritage.
