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Page last updated at 22:55 GMT, Sunday, 6 September 2009 23:55 UK

Giant rat found in 'lost volcano'

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A new species of giant rat has been discovered deep in the jungle of Papua New Guinea.

The rat, which has no fear of humans, measures 82cm long, placing it among the largest species of rat known anywhere in the world.

The creature, which has not yet been formally described, was discovered by an expedition team filming the BBC programme Lost Land of the Volcano.

It is one of a number of exotic animals found by the expedition team.

Footage courtesy of Lost Land of the Volcano - BBC/ Discovery Channel

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