The world is an amazing place to live in and what’s more amazing is the more we live in it, the more we discover something new about it. And no one could confidently say that there’s nothing left on this planet to discover! Did you know in just the last decade, scientists discovered numerous species of plants and animals? Nature never fails to surprise us! So, here are some creatures that deserve your attention!
The Purple Crab
The discovery of the Purple Crab of Palawan (Filipino Island) dates back to 2012. The scientific name of this crab is Insulamon palawanense, and the species is now on the verge of extinction. Yes, sad, right? and the mining projects of Palawan has something to do with it. Well, people need to do something about this beautiful creature! The purple crabs are the only varieties found only in one or a few islands; the sea keeps spreading even further. It is available in the freshwater at different development stages. Crabs develop from their relatives, and make their species in the next thousands of years.
Micro Chameleon
It got its name because it is tiny and hails from Madagascar. It is one of the smallest chameleons in the world, and it is .63 inches long. But as small and as cute as it is, it may soon become extinct as the logging industry threatens its existence. Will it meet the dinosaur’s fate? Well, we have to wait and see.
The Tube-nosed Bat
The tube-nosed bat in the deep interior of the forests in Papua, New Guinea and is an unusual breed of fruit bat earlier famous, ‘Yoda,’ resembling Star Wars Jedi Master. Scientists have renamed this species the happy (Hamamas) tube-nosed fruit bat. After, examining the literature and 3000 specimens, it was formally registered as a new bat species. The bat has tube noses, vibrant colors, and it has a thick stripe on the back and has attracted massive attention in the last 250 years. But researchers are still at it, trying to find brand new species in the group.
The Staten Island Frog
So, how is this frog different from any other frogs? The frog’s story began on the island of Staten Island in New York. It is in 2011 that a scientist noticed that Staten Island’s frog’s croak is different from a leopard frog. On testing the DNA, they found a new species. However, not much information, is available as the scientists are trying to track its range and habitats. If you think that the Staten Island Frog does not have an exotic name, well, think again. The Latin name of the species is Rana kauffeldi, which refers to the natural history museum herpetologist.
The Garuda Wasp
This giant wasp critter was discovered on Sulawesi, an Indonesian island, and got its name from Garuda’s mythical creature. It is 2.5 inches long and has big jaws that are longer than a wasp’s leg. A team found these wasps on the south Eastern mountains of a Cacao plantation of Sulawesi. But the fate of these wasps may be in jeopardy too because of the rain forest threats.
The Matilda Viper
In Tanzania, the scientists found this species, which can grow up to three feet in length. Is it poisonous? Well, the jury is still out on this one. However, the only good thing it is a mellow snake. It got its name from the researcher’s daughter, Matilda. It is a uniquely-colored horned viper, and it is over two feet long (643 millimeters) and evolved from the closest relative, over two million years ago. However, it is soon, facing endangerment and we don’t know what will happen to this snake with a cute name!
Well, there are so many other species that are evolving every day, and it is a kind of an overwhelming feeling. To think that these unique creatures surround us, and some would die an early death, and some others will evolve into something different. It just makes us feel, the world is a lovely place to live in! So, how many of these species have you heard about? Do let us know in the comments section, and don’t forget to share this link with your friends who would love to know more about the new species found in nature.