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New Species Discovered in Papua New Guinea |
When it comes to finding fascinating species previously unknown to science, it turns out that forests of Papua New Guinea are a darn good place to look. Researchers have recently disclosed their discoveries from a two-month long expedition to the country last year, in which they happened upon over two hundred species never before recorded -- like the tube-nosed fruit bat pictured above. Strangely familiar he is, though from where I know not.
According to a report from Huliq, the expedition was undertaken over the course of two months in 2009 by the Conservation International Rapid Assessment Program -- a group that aims to explore for unique life in some of the world's most remote regions. Traveling through the forests of Papua New Guinea, two teams of researchers managed to find dozens of new frog species, nine new plants, two new mammals, and nearly 100 new insects.
Tube-nosed bat ^
Although it has been reported before, this tube-nosed bat has still not been properly described and does not have a name.
It seems to only live in hill forests, where it probably helps disperse plant seeds.
(Image: Piotr Naskrecki/Conservation International)
Possum ^
Like the tube-nosed bat, this feather-tailed possum has been seen before, on a nearby mountain in 1985.
Little is known about it, though the shape of its tongue suggests that it eats nectar. It may also catch moths.
The two known populations are genetically distinct, suggesting they are isolated from each other.
(Image: Stephen Richards/Conservation International)
Tree dweller ^
This Australasian tree frog was found living 30 metres above the ground.
Researchers often heard them croaking gutturally from the forest canopy, but only managed to find this one male.
It is probably a new species, though its DNA will have to be checked to be sure.
Bright yellow ^
New to science, this yellow frog is probably a member of a species complex called Litoria genimaculata.
The colour patterns vary a great deal, and it has distinctive yellow spots around its groin.
Despite its conspicuous colours it proved hard to find. Males gave themselves away more often, when they made a soft ticking noise to attract females.
(Image: Stephen Richards/Conservation International)
Pink eye ^
This is a katydid, an insect related to crickets and grasshoppers.
It is one of 20 new species of katydid found during the expedition, and probably feeds on flowers.
(Image: Piotr Naskrecki/Conservation International)
Big head ant ^
These big-headed ants were common around 1600 metres up in the Muller range.
They are social insects, in which many sterile workers serve a single queen.
The smaller workers, left, gather food from the forest floor and bring it back to the nest. There the major workers, right, crush it using their huge mandibles.
(Image: Andrea Lucky)
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