'Bizarre' new mammal discovered (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Rebecca Morelle
Science reporter, BBC News



A new species of mammal has been discovered in the mountains of Tanzania, scientists report.

The bizarre-looking creature, dubbed Rhynochocyon udzungwensis, is a type of giant elephant shrew, or sengi.

The cat-sized animal, which is reported in the Journal of Zoology, looks like a cross between a miniature antelope and a small anteater.

It has a grey face, a long, flexible snout, a bulky, amber body, a jet-black rump and it stands on spindly legs.

"This is one of the most exciting discoveries of my career," said Galen Rathbun, from the California Academy of Sciences, who helped to confirm the animal was new to science along with an international team of colleagues.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7213571.stm

[ChazII]

1. Interesting reading.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

[Stand and Fight]

2. Reminds me of one of the funniest threads I've ever read here...

Does anyone remember the thread in which the DUer was describing some sort of animal that s/he had found in their place? And everyone was trying to get a description down as to what the animal was... Anyone? I'd love to find that thread again!


ON EDIT: Found the thread -- It's about a strange animal that the DUer dubbed Oscar. The original title of the thread is, "I inherited a mixed animal from Uncle living in woods."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=624815#673376

People -- if you want to roll on the floor laughing and need a break from the primaries, READ THIS ARTICLE. It is absolutely hilarious. It's before the time of DUzy awards, but a definite treasure to this forum. Enjoy!

[Greyskye]

3. I remember Oscar!

Damn that was funny! :rofl:

[Stand and Fight]

4. I know... I'm going through reading it now.

The first time I read it I was at work. Needless to say, it was hard suppressing all that laughter in my cube... Good times, good times. :rofl:

[sakabatou]

5. Ooooo

Cool.