New species from depths of the ocean and animals rediscovered in the Himalayas: See them
Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.
Learn more about some of the best new discoveries:
'Fanged' creatures — discovered in the dark — are new species in Indonesia. See them
In the Meratus mountain range of Indonesia, researchers discovered two new species of fanged frogs, Limnonectes maanyanorum and Limnonectes nusantara. These frogs were found under the cover of darkness along streams and are known for their distinctive vampire-like fangs. | Published Jan. 31 | Read More |
'Elusive' creature was missing in Himalayas for 91 years — until angler caught one
The Channa amphibeus, a snakehead fish thought to be extinct, was rediscovered in West Bengal, India, after being missing for 91 years. This rare fish, known for its vibrant colors and unique features, was found in the Kalimpong District, nestled between Nepal and Bhutan. | Published Feb. 3 | Read More |
Colorful creature found 'basking' in sun on uninhabited island. It's a new species
On Scawfell Island off Australia's northeastern coast, a new species of skink, Lampropholis isla, was discovered basking in the sun. This vibrant lizard, known as the Scawfell Island sun skink, was found in the island's rainforest areas. | Published Jan. 30 | Read More |
Spiky 'large'-eyed creature found hunting near windmills in India. It's a new species
In Maharashtra, India, a new species named Amarasinghe's house gecko, or Hemidactylus amarasinghei, was found near the Chalkewadi Windmill Farm. This spiky, medium-sized gecko was discovered in rocky patches and is notable for its 'large' brown eyes. | Published Feb. 3 | Read More |
'Long' purple sea creature — with 24 'feet' — pulled from depths. It's a new species
A new species of sea cucumber, Laetmogone multiradiolus, was discovered in the Kermadec Trench in the South Pacific Ocean. This 'long,' purple creature with 24 tube feet was found 3.5 miles deep in the ocean. | Published Jan. 31 | Read More |
McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of the most unusual and intriguing new species. Check back for the latest studies.
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Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Miami Herald
‘Ghost'-like river creature found lurking in rock crevices. It's a new species
On a riverbank in a remote part of central Brazil, a team of scientists broke open the stones 'with a hammer and pickaxe' in search of aquatic life. The unconventional method worked and exposed a 'ghost'-like river creature. It turned out to be a new species. Researchers visited Javaés River several times in 2017 and 2018 to survey its aquatic life. The river had been surveyed before, but the team had a slightly different approach this time: Instead of focusing on the main water channel, they would investigate the rocky riverbank, according to a study published July 14 in the peer-reviewed Journal of Fish Biology. To do this, researchers visited 'during the dry season, when water levels are lower and fishes are concentrated,' study co-author C. David de Santana told McClatchy News. Next, they 'used hammers and pickaxes to break apart rocks and expose the crevices where the fish were hidden.' The labor-intensive process eventually led the team to find 15 unfamiliar-looking fish, the study said. Researchers took a closer look at the fish, analyzed their DNA and realized they'd discovered a new species: Porotergus sambaibensis, or the Sambaíba ghost electric knifefish. Sambaíba ghost electric knifefish have 'compressed' bodies reaching about 4 inches in length, the study said. Their eyes are 'small' and 'completely covered by (a) thin membrane.' Photos show the 'dark brown' coloring of the new species. Sambaíba ghost electric knifefish are 'nocturnal,' live 'concealed in rock crevices' and are able to navigate 'tight spaces,' de Santana said via email. They likely 'feed on aquatic insect larvae, and small crustaceans.' Like other ghost knifefish, the new species 'produces weak electric discharges' used for 'navigating complex habitats in total darkness or turbid waters' and 'communication (e.g., spacing, courtship, territorial behavior),' de Santana said. 'The discharges are completely harmless to humans and cannot be felt. They are fundamentally different from the high-voltage shocks produced by electric eels.' Researchers said they named the new species after Sambaíba, 'a rocky bank in the Javaés River,' where it was first discovered and, so far, the only place where it has been found. The site is in central Brazil and a roughly 1,280-mile drive northwest of Rio de Janeiro. 'The discovery of Porotergus sambaibensis underscores the substantial amount of biodiversity that remains undocumented in the Amazon, particularly in specialized microhabitats such as rocky banks and rapids, which are often overlooked in standard survey efforts,' de Santana said. The new species is 'also a symbol of the hidden, irreplaceable diversity of the Amazon and a stark reminder that many species could disappear before we even realize they exist unless proactive efforts in conservation, research, and habitat protection are increased,' he said. The new species was identified by its coloring, fin shape, body shape, teeth, bone structure and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least about 4% genetic divergence from related species. The research team included Marina Mendonça, Luiz Peixoto, Carine Chamon, A. Akama and C. David de Santana.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Miami Herald
Purple-throated creature with ‘horn-like' eyelids discovered in China mountains
In the mountains of southeastern China, researchers came upon several creatures with horned eyelids and shield-shaped snouts sitting in the middle of a stream. The unusual specimens have been identified as a new species of toad, according to a study published July 17 in the peer-reviewed journal Zoosystematics and Evolution. Boulenophrys changyangensis, or the Changyang horned toad, lives in the northeastern section of the Wuling Mountains, at elevations of about 2,000 feet, according to the study. Researchers said they were often found perched on stones in streams in the middle of evergreen broadleaf forests. The Changyang horned toad measures just over an inch and a half long. It has 'large' eyes, a wide head and 'horn-like' growths on the edge of each upper eyelid, giving it is name. The toad's body is mostly brown, but it has a dark purple throat, a white belly and 'purple-brown' skin under its slender limbs, according to the study. Researchers said the Changyang horned toad may have evolved into a new species through geographic isolation in the mountains. The team noted that while the Guizhou and Hunan sections of the Wuling Mountains are well studied, there is 'a serious lack of systematic research' in Hubei, where the Changyang horned toad was discovered. In June, researchers announced the discovery of a similar new toad species —the Yezhong horned toad — about 650 miles away in the mountains in Guizhou Province, McClatchy News previously reported. The Yezhong horned toad also had horn-like growths on its eyelids, a shield-like snout and purple coloration on its underside. Hubei province is about a 730 mile drive southwest from Beijing. The research team included Shize Li, Shengchao Shi, Jing Liu, Jingjing Zhao, Shuo Gao and Bin Wang.
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Miami Herald
Discoveries from the Arctic — ancient finds, disappearing islands amid ice melt
The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists. July 15 marks World Arctic Sea Ice Day, a campaign organized by Polar Bears International to raise awareness about the rapid loss of sea ice on our planet's northern cap. The Arctic is warming at a rate four times that of the rest of the planet, the organization says, leading to monumental losses of sea ice that can harm not only the ecosystem, but also the animals that call the region home. Just like soil in a forest, sea ice acts as the base of the frozen food chain, providing a place for algae to grow which is eaten by Arctic cod, who then in turn are eaten by predators like polar bears, according to Polar Bears International. Melting ice is causing changes to the shoreline, animal behavior and even leading to new archaeological discoveries as centuries-old artifacts are revealed for the first time. Take a look at some recent discoveries made in the frosty landscape, and how that landscape is changing: Melting ice and observant park ranger lead to 1,500-year-old hunting tool in Norway In Breheimen National Park, Norway, melting ice and a vigilant park ranger led to the discovery of a 1,500-year-old 'scaring stick,' used by ancient hunters to trap reindeer. This artifact, made from a young birch tree, was found flattened against rocks due to the pressure of snow and ice. The Secrets of the Ice team plans to explore more sites for similar discoveries. | Published Aug. 28 | Read More | Melting ice reveals centuries-old fabric items still 'beautifully preserved.' See them Archaeologists at Lendbreen glacier in southern Norway uncovered a beautifully preserved piece of textile likely from the medieval period or Viking age. The site also revealed other artifacts, including a leather or hide object and well-preserved Iron Age arrows. | Published Sept. 10 | Read More | Arctic explorers vanished in 1845. Now, cannibalized body of crew member identified Captain James Fitzjames, who vanished with his crew during the Franklin Northwest Passage expedition in 1845, has been identified through DNA analysis on King William Island, Nunavut, Canada. The discovery of Fitzjames' remains, marked by signs of cannibalism, sheds light on the desperate measures taken by the crew. | Published Sept. 30 | Read More | Schoolchildren check satellite images for island in Russia — then find it's missing In the Arctic Ocean, schoolchildren participating in a Russian program discovered that Mesyatsev Island had vanished due to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. The island, which had shrunk significantly over the years, was completely submerged by September. | Published Nov. 12 | Read More | What do narwhals use their tusks for? First-of-its-kind drone footage offers clues Drone footage from the Canadian Arctic has provided new insights into the purpose of narwhal tusks, revealing their use in hunting and play. The footage shows narwhals using their tusks to stun fish and engage in playful behavior with Arctic char. This discovery highlights the tusks' multifunctional role and the adaptability of narwhals to their environment. | Published March 4 | Read More | Killer whales seen 'kissing' for the first time in the wild, photo shows In the Kvænangen fjords of Norway, above the Arctic Circle, snorkelers captured footage of two killer whales 'kissing' underwater. This rare behavior, observed for the first time in the wild, is believed to reinforce social bonds among juveniles. | Published June 27 | Read More |
