Ginormous Rats, Grunting Fish and Fanged Frogs Found in Remote Rainforest
A team of biologists and filmmakers have discovered new species of rats, spiders, fish and frogs on a recent expedition deep inside the jungle of Papua New Guinea. The team discovered many exotic creatures, including a ginormous rat, while filming the BBC’s Lost Land of the Volcano.
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According to the press release from the BBC’s Natural History Unit, the rat, the size of a cat, is one of the world’s largest rats. First spotted on film, the team set out to take a closer look and trapped a live rat.
Measuring almost 3 feet in length from the tip of its nose to end of its tail, the rodent weighed in at over 3 pounds! The silvery-grey Bosavi Woolly Rat was discovered in the crater of an extinct volcano, Mount Bosavi. The area is so remote, it is often described as a “lost world.” Nearly 40 undiscovered species were discovered in the location. Besides the rat, the Fanged Frog of Bosavi, a grunting fish appropriately named the Henamo Grunter and a bear-like marsupial Bosavi Silky Cuscus, were also discovered during the two-week expedition inside the crater. Several of the species appear to be unafraid of humans.
The series airs on television beginning September 8, 2009. To get a sneak peek of the rat in action, visit the BBC. Photos of some of the species are available on the Belfast Telegraph website.
