This detailed, biological spot-the-difference study revealed that two of the animals in the museums were new species to science.

Three others that had been categorised as subtypes of one species were confirmed to be sufficiently distinct from each other to be formally recognised as individual species.Hylomys maxi, photographed here in West Malaysia, has been elevated to the status of a distinct species

One of the lead researchers, Dr. Melissa Hawkins, from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (SMNH), told BBC News that the discovery showed the “amazing” diversity of life on our planet still to be revealed.

“We think we know about the natural world,” said Dr. Hawkins, “but even groups like mammals—especially the little things that live in difficult-to-reach habitats—we really don’t know much at all.

“Finding animals like these could bring some attention to [rainforest] ecosystems that are very threatened,” she said.

What are soft-furred hedgehogs?

Years of genetic research were conducted by the researchers to validate their opinion that seven distinct Hylomys species exist.

Kofi millar

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