• Alexander Pari
    1 of 5

    Researchers have stumbled upon a utopia of never-before-seen animals. According to National Geographic, eight new mammal species were discovered during an expedition in Peru's Tabaconas Namballe National Sanctuary.

    The expedition took place between 2009 and 2011 and included many exciting finds, including a new species of night monkey. These animals are rarely seen in Peru and are considered critically endangered by the government. Unlike his other nocturnal counterparts, this new night monkey is a uniform color and has a smaller skull.

  • Kateryn Pino
    2 of 5

    The common shrew opossum was another exciting discovery during this expedition. This marsupial is two times bigger than its closest (rat-sized) relatives.

  • Cesar Medina
    3 of 5

    A species of small-eared shrew is still waiting for an official name from researchers. The specimen is smaller than its close relatives and survives on a diet of insects. The animal gets its classification from its barely visible ears.

  • Alexander Pari
    4 of 5

    This new animal kingdom resident, the enigmatic porcupine, sets itself apart from other spiky species by having especially long quills. Based on descriptions from locals, scientists think there are several more undiscovered porcupine species in the area.

  • Gerardo Ceballos
    5 of 5
    Next: More Amazing New Species

    Currently the cloud forests of the Tabaconas Namballe National Sanctuary are home to more than 85 species of mammals, but scientists expect that number to grow based on recent findings. Due to the success of this recent expedition, researchers are planning on delving deeper into  the jungle. They hope to find enough new species to convince locals and the government to stop deforestation in the area.