New species of Spiny mouse discovered in Sri Lanka’s Dumbara mountain range

Colombo, May 28 (Daily Mirror) - A new species of spiny mouse has been discovered in Sri Lanka’s Puwakpitiya Valley in the Dumbara (Knuckles) Mountain Range, adding to the island’s rich record of endemic biodiversity.

The species has been scientifically named Mus dumbara, and is commonly referred to in English as the “Dumbara Valley spiny mouse” and in Sinhala as “Dumbara katu heen meeya”.

The discovery was confirmed through integrated analysis of external morphology, skull characteristics, and DNA sequencing, according to research published by Suyama H. Boyagoda, Madhava Meegaskumbura, and Kelum Manamendra-Arachchi.

Researchers said that the species is distinguished by a combination of traits, including a tail that is longer than its head-and-body length, a moderately prominent supraorbital ridge, and unique cranial features such as incisive foramina extending to the mid-level of the first upper molar.

Genetic analysis further confirmed its distinct status, showing deep divergence from other Sri Lankan spiny mice, including Mus mayori and Mus fernandoni, with more than 11% mitochondrial DNA differences.

The species was identified from two specimens collected during a small mammal survey conducted in the early 2000s at a forest edge near paddy fields in Puwakpitiya, Matale District. Despite extensive trapping efforts in later years, the species has not been recorded elsewhere, suggesting a highly restricted distribution.

Scientists have placed Mus dumbara within the subgenus Pyromys, and comparisons with related species across Sri Lanka and South Asia indicate clear morphological and genetic distinctions.

Researchers highlight that the Dumbara Mountain Range, a biodiversity-rich and ecologically isolated region, continues to yield new discoveries, underscoring its importance as a centre of endemism.

The discovery adds to growing evidence that Sri Lanka’s montane ecosystems play a crucial role in species diversification, particularly among small mammals adapted to specific ecological niches.

Further studies have been recommended to understand the species’ population status, ecological requirements, and conservation needs, given its apparently limited range.

The findings contribute to Sri Lanka’s global recognition as a biodiversity hotspot and highlight the importance of continued biological surveys in the island’s mountainous regions.