By Gabriela Baron
Two new species of hedgehog have been discovered in Mindanao, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Davao.
“With the perpetual efforts of researchers to unearth this planet’s species, which is quite infinite, five of them have been introduced recently as new to science,” DENR Davao wrote on Facebook.
The gymnures Podogymnura intermedia were discovered in the peak of Mt. Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental and Mt. Kampalli in Davao de Oro.
Citing reports, DENR Davao noted that both places have not been surveyed for mammals before.
“The said species are shrew-like due to its golden-brown streaks in its fur and pointed nose but are actually gymnures, likewise called as hairy hedgehogs or moonrats,” DENR Davao added.
P. minima, meanwhile, was previously considered as subspecies of the P. truei but was later determined as distinct and proclaimed as a new species.
The soft-furred and smallest species of Podogymnura, P. minima, was found in Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon.
“In consonance with the words of the scientists, our country is “highly distinct” in the fact that each mountain in it has its own unique and even endemic species,” DENR Davao said.
