The extraordinary discovery was made in the shadows of one of the wonders of the Incan world, Machu Picchu, following a field study of the area beginning in 2012. A team of Peruvian and Mexican experts recently found a live specimen of the arboreal chinchilla rat, which hitherto had only been identified from two 500 year-old skulls found in Incan pottery. No previous expedition had found any trace of their existence. Over the last two years, six new species have been uncovered in and around the cloud forests of Machu Picchu, including an aquatic rodent, a lizard and four new types of frog. However, they are still to be officially classed as new to science.

The remarkable find did not come as a complete surprise to the researchers, who were following up on reports of a mysterious giant rat-like creature living amongst the archaeological site’s ruins. Back in 2009, park guards had found an injured unidentifiable rodent matching the Machu Picchu Chinchilla Rat’s description. After helping it to recuperate, it was released back into the wild. Soon after images of the animal began circulating around the scientific community, a plan was put in place to find it.

Encouragingly, it has subsequently been found in the national park, and the historic site itself- both of which are well protected, despite surrounding areas of forest having been destroyed by cattle grazing and farming. The discovery also comes at a time when the Peruvian government has indicated it will be taking further measures to prevent additional deforestation around the site. However, it is safe to assume that this most elusive of rodents will already be endangered. It is hoped that uncovering this ‘extinct’ species, along with the other fascinating animals discovered, will play an important part in reinforcing the conservation of these native habitats and their precious inhabitants.

The tree-dwelling, cat-sized Chinchilla Rat of Machu Picchu. [Image courtesy of Roberto Quispe]

The as yet unnamed aquatic rodent, one of six new species found during the expedition. It is thought to spend the majority of its time in streams and has no external ears. [Image courtesy of Alexander Pari]