By Gabriela Baron
A new species of shrew-like mouse was discovered in the mountains of Davao Oriental, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Davao.
The Philippine-endemic rodent has dark brown hair with soft, dense fur, small eyes and ears, and a long, tapering nose like a shrew.
“The pride of having rich biodiversity also comes with a responsibility to maintain its sustenance,” DENR Davao said.
“[To] keep our wildlife species means keeping them and their habitat safe. If it’s not for conservation purposes, let’s refrain from hunting and disturbing them.”
The new mouse was named “Baletemys kampalili,” a combined Greek word “mys” which means mouse and “Balete,” in honor of late Filipino biologist Danilo S. Balete.
Balete is known for his contribution to Philippine mammal’s taxonomy and conservation. –ag
