The Tiger Spider, Cambodia Tailorbird, and Epaulette Shark are among the newly discovered animal species in recent years, despite their long existence on Earth.
1. Legless Lizard
The legless lizard was discovered at Los Angeles International Airport in the United States. It has several differences from snakes, such as the ability to detach its tail to escape in emergencies, eyelids that snakes lack, and a rigid jaw that is not as flexible as that of a snake. This reptile is a descendant of the typical four-legged lizard, while snakes evolved from a very rare four-legged lizard species.
2. Epaulette Shark
The Epaulette Shark was discovered in Indonesia, typically living in shallow waters on the ocean floor. Instead of swimming, they “walk” by wriggling their bodies and pushing with their paddle-like fins. This fish has evolved to adapt to nocturnal activities, allowing it to increase blood flow to the brain and shut down unnecessary neurological functions, enabling survival for hours in low-oxygen conditions.
3. Olinguito
The Olinguito is a new mammal species belonging to the raccoon family, discovered by Kristofer Helgen in August. Olinguitos weigh an average of about 900 grams, primarily eating fruits and insects, and live in the forests of the Andes Mountains in Ecuador and Colombia. Their name comes from the Spanish term meaning “little olingo,” due to their resemblance to the olingo but in a smaller size. The Olinguito was confused with the olingo species for many years.
4. Boki Mekot Mouse
Scientists discovered the Boki Mekot Mouse while exploring Halmahera Island in Indonesia. This small rodent has gray-brown fur, a white belly, and a white spot at the tip of its tail. Initial studies suggest it is omnivorous and has DNA characteristics of species that migrated from the West to Asia.
5. Oreophryne Frogs
Three new frog species from the Oreophryne genus, Oreophryne cameroni, Oreophryne parkopanorum, and Oreophryne gagneorum, were discovered in Papua New Guinea. The Oreophryne genus now consists of seven species, each measuring only 20 mm. Researchers believe that this region may still harbor many undiscovered species.
6. Chondrocladia lyra Sponge
Chondrocladia lyra, also known as the harp sponge due to its harp-like shape, was discovered off the coast of California, USA, using autonomous exploration devices. Unlike other sponge species that consume bacteria or organic matter, Chondrocladia lyra is a carnivorous sponge. This sponge features long tendrils extending from its veins, with small spines on the tendrils used to trap passing fish, which are then enveloped in a thin membrane for gradual digestion.
7. Carolina Hammerhead Shark
The Carolina Hammerhead Shark was discovered in 2006 but was not officially named until this year. The shark is named after the region where it was found, the waters off South Carolina, USA. Its primary distinguishing feature from other shark species is the number of vertebrae. Scientists believe this shark is widespread globally but difficult to identify due to its migratory habits, which remain a significant mystery.
8. Cambodia Tailorbird
The Cambodia Tailorbird is a small bird with a tuft of orange-red feathers on its head, discovered in the capital city of Phnom Penh. The name “Tailorbird” comes from the meticulous way these birds stitch leaves together to build their nests. This bird looks quite similar to common tailorbirds; however, after studying its feathers, DNA, and singing, scientists concluded that it is a new species. The Cambodia Tailorbird is currently listed as a threatened species due to its shrinking habitat.
9. Orca
The orca is the largest member of the dolphin family and also the most aggressive predatory whale in the ocean. To date, scientists have identified and recognized three orca species globally. This is the fourth orca species discovered in the southern Indian Ocean. Distinguishing features of this new species include differences in behavior, dietary habits, genetic sequence, and a smaller head shape with a small white patch near the eye.
10. Tiger Spider
The newly discovered tiger spider (Poecilotheria rajaei) was found in northern Sri Lanka. This spider measures about 20 cm, with gray and yellow stripes along its legs and body. Previously, spiders typically lived in trees, but due to increasing deforestation destroying their natural habitat, they have begun moving into abandoned old buildings.
