Two new mole species discovered: Surviving 3 million years undetected, tolerating extreme heat
Diligent scientists continually make unusual discoveries. According to an article on popularmechanics.com, it's predicted that around 7,000 new insect species will be found in 2023. However, this year also brought the surprising discovery of two new mammal species — moles.
3:02 PM EST, January 21, 2024
Researchers across Turkey, Great Britain, and the United States revealed the discovery. Their research ascertains these novel species are biologically distant from previously known types of this creature. The recently discovered mole species are Talpa hakkariensis and Talpa davidiana tatvanensis; they inhabit the mountains in Eastern Turkey.
The newly identified species of moles have a high heat resistance, tolerating temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). These creatures survive winters buried beneath a roughly two-meter (approximately 6.6 feet) layer of snow.
"Discovering a new mammal species is extraordinarily rare these days," emphasized the study's author, Professor David Bilton from the University of Plymouth. He has already identified almost 80 new animal species, primarily insects, in his career.
"We know of 6.5 thousand mammal species, a small figure compared to the roughly 400,000 known species of beetles for which the estimated count is between 1-2 million. On the outside, the newly discovered moles seem similar to pre-established species because evolution underground severely limits body shape and size. The truth is that moles have minimal scope in this regard. Our study illustrates how easy it is to underestimate biodiversity - particularly among mammals. Many people falsely believe we already know all species inhabiting our planet," described Professor Bilton.
This discovery increased the number of known mole species from 16 to 18 in Eurasia. According to the Polish Press Agency, scientists are confident that further research may unveil even more mole species.
What's astounding about this discovery is the longevity of Talpa hakkariensis' evasion from mankind. The study suggests that due to its remarkable survival skills in a harsh environment, it has functioned in obscurity for about 3 million years without human detection.
"If we aim to protect species, we must foremost understand that they exist," concludes Professor Bilton.
