In the hidden corners of our planet, scientists have unearthed extraordinary creatures that challenge our understanding of life on Earth. From bright orange bats to tiny chameleons and vampire wasps, these newfound species have captured the imaginations of researchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
This article dissects these remarkable animals, each with its own unique story and contribution to the rich biodiversity.
Top 10 newly discovered animals by scientists
1. Bright Orange Bat (Myotis nimbaensis)
In 2018, scientists set out to discover the rare Lamotte’s roundleaf bat in West Africa’s Nimba Mountains. Instead, they discovered something extraordinary: Myotis nimbaensis, a previously undiscovered bat species.
This newly discovered bat, Myotis nimbaensis, is thought to be unique to the Nimba Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot straddling Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. It is startling in appearance, with reddish-orange fur and ink-black wings stained with auburn veins. While it is not unusual for scientists to find new species, breakthroughs in genetics have allowed them to establish finer differences. From the beginning, this bat stood out. It demonstrates the incredible diversity of life on our planet.
Despite the lack of information on its behaviour, experts believe it eats microscopic insects and roosts in subterranean caverns, which might include ancient mine tunnels.
As the Nimba Mountains confront serious biodiversity challenges, conservation activities are critical. Fortunately, the mining company that owns the area where the bat was discovered is working with conservationists to safeguard the region’s rare species.
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2. Horsehair Worm
Horsehair worms, also known as gordian worms, are slender aquatic creatures that resemble hair-like threads. They are parasites in their early stages, infesting grasshoppers, crickets and other insects. Once mature, they emerge to lay eggs. While they are harmless to humans and animals, their presence can indicate the presence of infected insects.
3 Star-like Octopus (Octopus djinda)
Octopus djinda is a fascinating species of Octopus from the Octopus vulgaris group that has lately emerged as a star in the seas of southwest Australia. Before its reclassification in 2021, it was frequently confused with Octopus tetricus but this recent finding has shed light on its distinct identity.
The star-like octopus or octopus djinda shares its habitat with the common Sydney octopus (Octopus tetricus), but it possesses distinct morphological and genetic traits that set it apart. The name “djinda” pays homage to the Nyoongar people, the traditional custodians of the land where it thrives, and it translates to “star” in their language. This choice of name symbolises both its luminous nature and its newfound differentiation from Octopus tetricus.
Measuring between 10.9 and 17.7 cm (4.3 to 7 inches) in mantle length, Octopus djinda is considered a medium-to-large octopus. Its distinctive appearance and genetic makeup have piqued the interest of researchers and marine enthusiasts alike.
One remarkable aspect of this discovery is its critical ecological role. Octopus djinda is not merely a scientific curiosity, it plays a vital part in the marine ecosystem of southwest Australia. It supports a highly productive fishery and is one of the select few octopod fisheries worldwide to receive sustainable certification from the prestigious Marine Stewardship Council.
4. Rice’s Whale
One of the newly discovered animals by scientists is the rice whale. Rice’s whale belongs to the family Balaenopteridae, which includes some of the most iconic and largest whale species such as the blue whale and the Fin Whale. It is classified under the genus Balaenoptera, which comprises several distinct species of baleen whales.
This remarkable marine mammal is one of the rarest and least-known whale species in the world, inhabiting the Gulf of Mexico. The history of Rice’s Whale is shrouded in mystery. It was only officially described as a new species in 2023, making it a recent addition to the world of marine biology. This delayed recognition underscores the challenges of studying marine mammals, especially those that inhabit remote or less-explored regions.
Rice’s whales are medium-sized baleen whales, with adults reaching lengths of up to 42 feet (12.8 metres). Although smaller in size compared to some other baleen whales, they still command a significant presence. Their physical appearance is characterised by a distinctively dark colouration, with greyish-blue or dark grey skin. The underside of their bodies often exhibits a lighter hue. Like other baleen whales, Rice’s whales possess baleen plates used for filter-feeding. These plates enable them to capture and consume their primary prey, which consists mainly of small marine organisms, including krill and small fish.
5. Nano Chameleon (Brookesia nano)
The Nano Chameleon is a newfound species that has earned its place as one of the world’s smallest male reptiles, measuring a mere 13.5mm in length. Discovered in Madagascar, these tiny chameleons are a testament to nature’s incredible diversity. With researchers working diligently to protect their fragile habitat, these miniature wonders remain a mystery due to their small size.
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6. Dumbo Octopus (Grimpoteuthis)
Imagine a tiny octopus that resembles the beloved Disney character, Dumbo. Grimpoteuthis, affectionately known as the Dumbo Octopus, is a miniature marvel, measuring only about eight inches in size. With its small arms and pale-coloured, teddy bear-like appearance, it is easy to see why it is considered one of the cutest octopuses. These elusive creatures inhabit extreme depths of up to 13,000 feet in the ocean, making them one of the rarest animals on Earth.
7. Synapturanus Danta
Synapturanus danta is a recently discovered species of frog found in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. It is known for its striking resemblance to the chocolate frogs featured in the Harry Potter series. It has earned the nickname “tapir frog” due to its highly unusual nose, which resembles the trunk of a tapir. This frog species was not previously known to science but was familiar to local communities in the region. Its discovery has not only enriched our understanding of the rainforest’s biodiversity but has also prompted conservation efforts to protect its habitat.
8. Kukri Snake
An amazing discovery was made in the beautiful region of Himachal Pradesh, India—a new snake dubbed the Kukri Snake (scientifically known as Oligodon churahensis). This unusual snake, also known as “Churah” locally, was discovered in the Himalayan foothills.
The story begins during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 when Virendar Bhardwaj, a student, started exploring the natural world around his home in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. He began taking pictures of snakes, lizards, frogs and insects and sharing them on Instagram.
Herpetologist Zeeshan A. Mirza saw the unique snake on Instagram, part of the Kukri snake group known for their special knife-like teeth. Bhardwaj found two more of these mysterious snakes, a crucial step in identifying the species. COVID-19 temporarily halted their research due to lab and museum closures.
In early 2021, when labs reopened, Mirza continued his research with his team and confirmed that it was a new snake species.
9. Tiger Beetle (Cicindelinae)
Tiger beetles are known for their incredible speed and predatory behaviour. They come in various shapes and sizes, with some being brilliantly coloured. These insects are found all over the world and are known for their lightning-fast movements, making them fascinating subjects for entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike.
10. Vampire wasp
The vampire wasp is a newly discovered species found in the Peruvian Amazon. These tiny crawlies have bright yellow bodies and can grow to be 0.7 inches long. Their behaviour is particularly creepy: they sting their target, drain their blood and then place their eggs under the prey’s skin.
However, humans are not on their menu. Caterpillars, beetles and spiders are the major targets of these vampire wasps. The wasps lay their eggs after stinging their victim, which hatch after a few days. The offspring continue to develop within their host until they reach adulthood.
So, while these vampire wasps seem like something out of a horror film, they pose no danger to people.
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