What is Ottavalo’s Andean Mouse?

About Ottavalo’s Andean Mouse:

• It is a new species of mouse with a remarkably long tail.
• It was discovered near Mojanda, a dormant volcano with a caldera filled with The site is about a 50-mile trip from Quito, a city situated in the high Andes of northern Ecuador.
• It has been identified as endemic to the temperate, high-altitude Andean regions of the montane forest.
• It was named in honor of the local Otavalo culture, which is widely recognized for its musical heritage and skilled weaving and textile commerce.
• Features:
  • In comparison to related species, the Otavalos Andean mouse is slightly larger, with shorter hair on its back.
  • It has a coat of “fine, dense, and soft” fur.
  • The fur on its back and sides is described as “dark drab,” while its sides show a more brownish tone.
  • On its stomach, the fur is a lighter gray with a hint of “ground cinnamon,” giving it a distinct color gradient across its body.
  • The most distinguishable feature of the new mouse species is its tail, which is longer than the length of the entire body
  • The tail is overall covered with fine hairs and a row of scales with a white tip.