Scientists Discover Iridescent Mammals Are More Widespread Than Believed

Swift Summary:

• Researchers have discovered that iridescent fur, previously thought to be exclusive to golden moles, is present in at least 14 mammal species.
• These mammals include rodents like the tropical vlei rat (Otomys tropicalis), the giant otter shrew (Potamogale velox), and other burrowing or swimming creatures.
• Iridescence occurs through compressed hair layers bending light differently to create shifting colors.
• Scientists believe this may be an incidental trait from adaptations that keep fur clean in wet/dirty environments, though it could also serve functions like interaction.
• Investigations into the phenomenon were led by jessica Leigh Dobson of Ghent University using specimens from museums and a detailed analysis of light reflections on mammalian hair.
• Six species were newly confirmed as iridescent during this study; mentions of such traits date back to the 1890s in scientific literature.

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