New rodent emerges

A long-whiskered rodent with stubby legs and a tail covered with dense hair has turned out be a previously unknown species so unique it represents an entire new family of wildlife, says the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Based on morphological differences in the bone structure, coupled with DNA analysis, scientists believe the animal diverged from other rodents millions of years ago.

Very little is known about the kha-nyou, found in Laos, other than it seems to be a nocturnal vegetarian.