Welcome the Olinguito, the World’s Newest Mammal Species
- 11 years ago
Smithsonian zoologists announced that they’ve discovered a new species – the olinguito.
Believe it or not, there are still plenty of species yet to be discovered on Earth.
Smithsonian zoologists announced that they’ve discovered a new species – the olinguito.
The animal isn’t really new, just new to people for the most part.
All these years it’s been hanging out in the Andes rainforest, jumping from tree to tree and eating figs.
One went on a whirlwind zoo tour in the 60s and 70s, but people just assumed it was a plain old olingo, which is a South American family of furry mammals much like raccoons.
Another big clue came when Kris Helgen, lead zoologist of the Smithsonian, was studying pelts at Chicago’s Field Museum.
He noted enough unique characteristics to put together a team and head for South America to find out more.
Many years of research later, Helgen can say with confidence that the olinguito is unique unto itself.
Not only is it the first new mammal species to be discovered in 35 years, it’s considered to be one of the cutest scientific finds anyone can remember.
According to those who’ve seen them, they look like a cross between a bear and a domestic cat.
Believe it or not, there are still plenty of species yet to be discovered on Earth.
Smithsonian zoologists announced that they’ve discovered a new species – the olinguito.
The animal isn’t really new, just new to people for the most part.
All these years it’s been hanging out in the Andes rainforest, jumping from tree to tree and eating figs.
One went on a whirlwind zoo tour in the 60s and 70s, but people just assumed it was a plain old olingo, which is a South American family of furry mammals much like raccoons.
Another big clue came when Kris Helgen, lead zoologist of the Smithsonian, was studying pelts at Chicago’s Field Museum.
He noted enough unique characteristics to put together a team and head for South America to find out more.
Many years of research later, Helgen can say with confidence that the olinguito is unique unto itself.
Not only is it the first new mammal species to be discovered in 35 years, it’s considered to be one of the cutest scientific finds anyone can remember.
According to those who’ve seen them, they look like a cross between a bear and a domestic cat.