7 new mammal species found on Luzon

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino and American scientists have discovered seven new species of mammals in four locations on the island of Luzon, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources announced Wednesday.

All forest mice, the newly recognized species were discovered in four mountains in Luzon: Mt Tapulao in Zambales, Mt. Banahaw in Quezon, Mingan Mountains in Aurora and the Sierra Madre Mountain range in northeastern Luzon.

An account of the discovery, authored by nine biologists from the University of the Philippines, the Philippine National Museum, Conservation International-Philippines, the Utah Museum of Natural History and the Florida State University, was first published in last month’s issue of the Fieldiana, the journal of Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History.

“The international community has recognized that our country has among the highest rates of discovery in the world. Filipinos should be aware of such discoveries, to show a collective pride and give a more positive meaning to the expression, ‘only in the Philippines,’” said Environment Secretary Ramon Paje in a statement.

Describing the species in the Fieldiana, project leader Lawrence Heaney said the mammals were “wonderful little mice that live in forested regions high in the mountain… often abundant, [yet] they actively avoid humans and rarely cause any harm. They prefer to eat earthworms and seeds on the forest floor.”