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Eight species discovered
Image: Alexander Pari
A new heaven of unknown biodiversity

A team of Mexican and Peruvian biologists found eight new mammals during an expiration in northern Peru, scientists have announced.

The eight mammals include a new species of night monkey, which remains unnamed as yet. The finding is particularly notable as night monkeys are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and endangered by the Peruvian government.

Compared to the other two species of night monkey in the area, close to the border of Ecuador, this one has a smaller skull and more uniform colour.

The biologists, who were exploring Peru's Tabaconas Namballe National Sanctuary in 2009-2011, also found the unnamed common shrew opossum, the enigmatic porcupine and the unnamed small-eared shrew, during their expedition.

The national sanctuary's cloud forests provide shelter to at least 85 species of mammals, 326 species of birds and 23 species of reptiles and amphibians. These numbers are thought to grow as explorers delve deeper into its 70,000 acres.

The area has been described as a "new heaven of unknown biodiversity".

Expedition co-leader, Gerardo Ceballos, of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said: "the habitat is very valuable, even without knowing the species that are there."

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.