Discovery of Five New Species of Hedgehogs

Image: “Uncovering Hidden Species: New Hedgehog Discoveries”

Scientists from the Smithsonian Institution have recently identified five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs, expanding the known species count from two to seven. These lesser gymnures, also known as Hylomys, are native to Southeast Asia and are characterized by their furry bodies and pointy snouts.

The research team, led by Arlo Hinckley, utilized a combination of DNA analysis and physical characteristics to identify two entirely new species and elevate three hedgehog subspecies to the level of species. This groundbreaking discovery was made possible through the collection of 232 physical specimens and 85 tissue samples from across the entire Hylomys group.

The process of identifying these new species was not without its challenges. Researchers faced difficulties in tracking the elusive hedgehogs, which are known to hide in burrows, under roots, or tall grass when approached. To overcome this, the team relied on museum specimens from the natural history collections of the Smithsonian and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia. These specimens, curated over countless decades, filled in the gaps left by field research.

In addition to the scientific significance of this discovery, the researchers emphasize the potential conservation implications. Identifying new species can help protect habitats and identify sources of new diseases that could affect humans. As Melissa Hawkins, the museum’s curator of animals, points out, “For mammals, where there are around 6,500 currently described species, a 2018 study predicts that 7,342 mammalian species will be recognized by 2050 and 8,590 by 2100.”

The two newly discovered species have been named H. macarong and H. vorax. H. macarong was given its name due to the male’s long, fang-like incisors, while H. vorax was named after a description of its behavior by mammalogist Frederick Ulmer.

This exciting discovery highlights the importance of ongoing research and collaboration between scientists, as well as the value of preserving historical specimens in natural history collections. By applying modern genomic techniques to these specimens, researchers can continue to uncover new species and expand our understanding of the natural world.