In 2022, biologists will conservation international A study revealed that a treasure trove of biodiversity lies in the heart of the Alto Mayo landscape, which spans approximately 780,700 hectares (1.9 million acres) in the upper Mayo River basin in Peru's San Martín, Moyobamba and Rioja states. . . investigation revealed At least 27 new species – including 'blobhead' fish species of the bristlemouth catfish genus Ketostoma — and 49 species at risk of extinction according to the IUCN Red List.
“Blobhead” Bristlemouth Armored Catfish (Ketostoma special). Image credit: Conservation International / Robinson Olivera.
The Alto Mayo landscape, which stretches from the Andes to the Amazon and includes the Alto Mayo Reserve Forest, is a complex mosaic of ecosystems and communities that includes indigenous territories, towns, and cities.
During a 38-day expedition, Conservation International researchers recorded 2,046 species, highlighting the importance of conservation in this area.
At least 34 species, including the Andean saddleback tamarin, appear to occur exclusively in the Alto Mayo landscape.
To document so many species, scientists complemented traditional survey methods with techniques such as camera traps, bioacoustic sensors, and environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from the water.
“It's amazing to discover four new mammal species on any expedition, especially in a heavily populated area,” said Dr. Tron Larsen, director of Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program at the Moore Science Center. It's unusual to find these mammals.”
“This is a vibrant, dynamic mosaic of ecosystems, both natural and human-made, that we need to maintain and restore if we want to protect the species found there.”
During the expedition, biologists identified 68 species of fish across approximately 30 study areas.
Eighteen species were recorded for the first time in the Alto Mayo Basin, and eight others were new to science, including undescribed species of the Chaliformes group and catfishes.
Among the shocking new fish discoveries was a “blobhead'' fish from this genus. Ketostoma.
The species has an enlarged, blocky head, a feature the team's fish scientists had never seen before. The function of this unusual structure remains a mystery.
More than 200 species of butterflies were identified during the survey, 10 of which are new to science, 24 are potential firsts to science (pending further research), and 14 were recorded for the first time in Alto Mayo It was done.
Researchers have recorded more than 70 species of scarab beetles across Alto Mayo's diverse ecosystem. skibaro canton It includes 45 species that are new to science or previously undocumented in the region.
They recorded an astonishing 536 species of birds at different altitudes and across a variety of ecosystems, including cloud forests, lowland forests, palm swamps, and coffee plantations.
They also recorded 27 species of amphibians and 18 species of reptiles. This was higher than expected given prior monitoring in the area and the proximity of many of the study areas to human settlements.
They discovered three species of amphibians new to science – the climbing salamander (Bolitoglossa sp.) and two frogs (Chiasmocrais sp. and Pretty Mantis sp.) — as well as seven more species that are likely new but require further investigation.
Two species of snakes that may be new to science have been discovered – attractus sp. and subterranean blind snakes of this genus Epicia.
The research team recorded 50 species of medium- and large-sized mammals (greater than 1 kg) across a variety of elevations and ecosystem types using a combination of methods, including camera traps.
Excluding bats, researchers identified 35 species of small flightless mammals (small rodents and marsupials, weighing less than 1 kg), 12 of which were recorded for the first time in the Alto Mayo landscape.
In addition to those, another 45 species of bats were recorded during the study. Caloria Genus — Short-tailed flying fox.
The expedition also recorded more than 950 species of vascular plants in central Alto Mayo. These included 5 species endemic to the San Martín region and 10 species listed as threatened with extinction on the IUCN Red List.
Among the discoveries were three potentially new species to science. Styrodine special, Ilex tree sp. and Schefflera sp. —further research is underway.
“We found that areas close to cities and towns still maintain incredibly high biodiversity, including species that are found nowhere else,” Dr Larsen said.
“These findings highlight that biodiversity can be maintained, even in areas highly influenced by humans, only if ecosystems are managed sustainably.”
“A more comprehensive understanding of where species live will help us identify areas with the greatest potential for biodiversity conservation and restoration, as well as sustainable practices such as ecotourism, logging, agriculture, and resource extraction. It will help identify the best areas,” he added.
Source: www.sci.news
