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

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