National Geographic story with an unusual twist:

**Ninong** · 03-10-2006, 11:46 AM

Photo in the News: New Rodent Part of "Extinct" Family

March 9, 2006—Reports of their extinction have been greatly exaggerated.

Scientists believed the Diatomydae family of rodents had been extinct for 11 million years. But the recently discovered rodent species from Southeast Asia is actually one of this family's modern-day kin, according to a report to be published in tomorrow's issue of the journal Science.

First found by conservationists last year, the squirrel-like critter, seen in the above illustration, was presumed to be from a family unknown to science. Dubbed Laonastes aenigmamus, the animal was considered a "living fossil" that had split from other rodents many millions of years ago.

Although scientists have now traced the creature's actual place in the animal kingdom, little else is known about the elusive rodent. It was originally found for sale at a Laos (see map) food market, and so far no living specimens have been recovered.

According to the scientists, Laotians prefer to savor Laonastes roasted whole and served on a skewer.
—Victoria Gilman

P.S. -- Here's the twist!

***Reefland*** · 03-10-2006, 12:29 PM

Yuck!

unknown · 03-10-2006, 02:02 PM

wierd

**Poseidon** · 03-10-2006, 03:52 PM

Yummy!

I guess what one mans lost SPECIES is, is DINNER to another!

BubbaWPB · 03-11-2006, 06:53 PM

Hmmm... Ninong, do you think nutria recipes will work for this critter?

**schrocat** · 03-12-2006, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BubbaWPB

Hmmm... Ninong, do you think nutria recipes will work for this critter?

03-10-2006, 11:46 AM	#1
Ninong Moderator Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Louisiana Posts: 19,724	National Geographic story with an unusual twist: Photo in the News: New Rodent Part of "Extinct" Family March 9, 2006—Reports of their extinction have been greatly exaggerated. Scientists believed the Diatomydae family of rodents had been extinct for 11 million years. But the recently discovered rodent species from Southeast Asia is actually one of this family's modern-day kin, according to a report to be published in tomorrow's issue of the journal Science. First found by conservationists last year, the squirrel-like critter, seen in the above illustration, was presumed to be from a family unknown to science. Dubbed Laonastes aenigmamus, the animal was considered a "living fossil" that had split from other rodents many millions of years ago. Although scientists have now traced the creature's actual place in the animal kingdom, little else is known about the elusive rodent. It was originally found for sale at a Laos (see map) food market, and so far no living specimens have been recovered. According to the scientists, Laotians prefer to savor Laonastes roasted whole and served on a skewer. —Victoria Gilman P.S. -- Here's the twist! __________________ Ninong

03-10-2006, 12:29 PM	#2
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,030	Yuck! __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

03-10-2006, 03:52 PM	#4
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,248	Yummy! I guess what one mans lost SPECIES is, is DINNER to another! __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

03-11-2006, 06:53 PM	#5
BubbaWPB Governor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 1,234	Hmmm... Ninong, do you think nutria recipes will work for this critter? __________________ Bubba Hmmm... now that the tank is full, I could convert the pool to saltwater... Bubba's Aquarium Log

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03-10-2006, 02:02 PM	#3
unknown New in Town Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: dallas,tx Posts: 1	wierd

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