Known by locals as Kha-Nyou, the rodent is said to be a nocturnal vegetarian that prefers the cover of the forest.

BBC: Totally new to science

Based on morphological differences in the skull and bone structure, coupled with DNA analysis, the authors estimate that the Kha-Nyou diverged from other rodents millions of years ago.

BBC: Totally new to science

At the July meeting of the party Central Committee, for example, Secretary General Le Kha Phieu repeatedly invoked the name of Ho Chi Minh to justify party policy.

CNN: Vietnam and the Crisis

And in an unprecedented effort to bridge rifts between reformist and conservative camps, Vietnam's leaders chose a military figure, Le Kha Phieu, to lead the party and maintain political stability.

CNN: Vietnam and the Crisis