Mus Cypriacus: a new European mammal

A new species of mammal – a mouse with unusually large ears and eyes – has been discovered on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. It is the first new mammal species to be found in Europe in over a century, the researchers claim.

Genetic tests prove that the grey mouse is indeed a new species, which has been named Mus Cypriacus (Cypriot mouse). It overturns the widely held belief that every living species of mammal had been identified in Europe. . .

In fact, the genetic evidence shows it to be an "ancient relic", closer to its prehistoric ancestor than any modern cousin. Other mammals endemic to the island died out with the arrival of man, except two species of shrew. "The new mouse is the only endemic rodent still alive and as such can be considered a living fossil," Cucchi told the Associated Press.

Posted by David on October 12, 2006 5:02 PM