Wild rainforest mice surprise scientists

A team of scientists from Univerisities and museums in the Phillipines and from the USA recently published a report on their discovery of seven new species of mice in the Filipino rainforests of Luzon Island. Described in detail by the report, they are all types of forest mice that live mainly by eating earthworms and seeds from the forest floor in environmentally important mountain watersheds.

Some, but not all, of these new species live in protected rainforest areas. The others are in danger from logging and the expansion of agriculture, according to M. Josefa Veluz, biologist at the Philippine National Museum and co-author of the study.

According to Dr. Mundita Lim, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau Director in the Phillipines: "these animals are part of the rich biological heritage of the Philippines ..... the forests where they live are crucial watershed areas for Manila and many other cities. Protecting their mountain forest habitat is good for them and for people."

Discussing the new mice species, the Director for Conservation International for the Phillipines, insited that: "Protecting land and marine resources is key to maintaining healthy ecosystems which deliver ecosystem services such as food, clean water, health, tourism and cultural benefits and stable climate which are vital to the very survival of every Filipino. Although small in size, these little animals are part of our biodiversity which forms the basic foundation of healthy ecosystems."

Dr. Heaney, the project leader described them as:"wonderful little mice."

Source: www.sciencedaily.com

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