#marmosa

New Species of Marsupial Discovered in Peru

Scientists have identified a new species in the marsupial genus Marmosa from a single specimen collected on the eastern side of the Andes in San Martín department, Peru.

Marmosa is a genus of relatively small Neotropical mammals in the family Didelphidae. It is one of three genera that are known as mouse opossums; the others are Thylamys and Tlacuatzin. The new Marmosa species was discovered at an altitude where other species of this genus are not typically found. Named Marmosa chachapoya, the animal has reddish-brown fur, distinct mask-like markings on its face. It has a total length — including body and tail — of up to 25 cm (10 inches); the body alone measures only about 10 cm (4 inches)...

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Alston's Woolly Mouse Opossum Marmosa alstoni

A pouchless marsupial found from Belize to Colombia. The main components of its diet are insects and fruits, but it may also eat small rodents, lizards, and bird eggs.

Woolly mouse opossum (Marmosa demerarae) Also known as: long-furred woolly mouse opossum, cuíca

The woolly mouse opossum is a South American marsupial that is widespread and often common, earning it the classification Leas Concern. It forages both arboreally and on the ground where it feeds on insects, small animals, fruits and nectar. It is nocturnal, solitary and constructs open, arboreal nests.

Classification Animalia - Chordata - Mammalia - Metatheria - Marsupialia - Didelphimorphia - Didelphidae - Didelphinae - Marmosini - Marmosa - Marmosa - Micoreus - M. demerarae

Bolivian Woolly Mouse Opossum Marmosa regina

Its range includes Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It is found in tropical rainforest in the westernmost portion of the Amazon Basin and the eastern foothills of the Andes.