Jakarta, Indonesia Senitnel — A team of scientists from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has identified a new endemic forest rat species in Central Sulawesi, named Crunomys tompotika.
The discovery, published June 13, 2025, in the Journal of Mammalogy, was made in collaboration with researchers from the United States, Australia, France, and Malaysia. The species was described from specimens collected on Mount Tompotika and is characterized by a medium-sized body, relatively short tail, and dense, distinctive fur. Its natural habitat lies in preserved montane forests with thick vegetation.
Beyond documenting a new species, the study also revises rodent taxonomy by reclassifying all spiny rats (Maxomys) into the genus Crunomys. The decision is based on thousands of DNA markers and high-resolution genomic data, which provide a more accurate picture of evolutionary relationships.
“Analysis of thousands of DNA markers, including high-resolution genomic data, shows that Maxomys is not a monophyletic group when separated from Crunomys. This revision is the most accurate way to reflect their true evolutionary history,” said Anang Setiawan Achmadi, a BRIN mammalogist, in a statement, as reported by TeropongMedia on Thursday (August 28).
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The finding highlights Sulawesi’s role as a “natural laboratory” of mammalian evolution. Since 2012, more than 20 new mammal species have been identified on the island, underscoring Indonesia’s still largely undocumented biodiversity.
Researchers say the international collaboration allowed them to leverage cutting-edge genomic technology and broaden biogeographic data coverage, offering deeper insights into the evolutionary history of Southeast Asia’s mammals.
The study is expected to strengthen conservation policy and encourage further research to document Indonesia’s biodiversity, particularly in the underexplored Wallacea region.
(Raidi/Agung)
