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Listen Up Adventure Travelers: Watch for the Giant Rat

Sometimes our world seems so small, and yet sometimes we can be amazed by new discoveries of animals or even people that we never knew existed. That's what's been making Papua New Guinea an increasingly popular tourist destination of late, along with the fact that those New Guineans are so relaxed.

The most recent news out of PNG is the discovery of a giant rat. Now, we don't really like rats at the best of times, and a rat that's five times larger than the normal variety sounded kind of scary. But actually this picture makes the Mallomys giant rat seem kinda cute.

A recent Conservation International expedition actually discovered a second species of mammal as well, a kind of pygmy possum never before seen. Nice to know there are still some places in the world without cell phone reception and fast food franchises, although you never know if a Kentucky Fried Rat chain will be next on the scene.

Related Stories:
· Giant Rat Found in "Lost Worlds" [BBC]
· Pop Into PNG: They're Relaxed! [Jaunted]

[Photo: BBC]