The tiger spider, Cambodia tailorbird, and Epaulette shark are among the newly discovered animal species in recent years, even though they have existed for a long time on Earth.
1. Limb-Less Lizard
The limb-less lizard was found at Los Angeles International Airport in the U.S. It has many differences from snakes, such as the ability to detach its tail to escape in emergencies and having eyelids, which snakes lack, along with a stiff jaw that doesn’t move like that of snakes. This reptile is a descendant of the regular four-legged lizard, while snakes evolved from a very rare four-legged lizard.
2. Epaulette Shark
The Epaulette shark was discovered in Indonesia and typically lives in shallow coastal waters. Instead of swimming, it “walks” by wriggling its body and pushing its paddle-shaped fins. This fish has evolved to adapt to nocturnal activities, increasing blood flow to the brain and shutting down unnecessary nerve functions, allowing it to survive for hours without oxygen.
3. Olinguito
The Olinguito is a new mammal species in the raccoon family, discovered by Kristofer Helgen in August. It weighs about 900 grams on average and primarily eats fruit and insects, living in the forests of the Andes Mountains in Ecuador and Colombia. Its name, meaning “little olingo” in Spanish, is due to its resemblance to the olingo but is smaller in size. For many years, the Olinguito was mistaken for the olingo.
4. Boki Mekot Mouse
Scientists discovered the Boki Mekot mouse while exploring Halmahera Island in Indonesia. This small rodent has grey-brown fur, a white belly, and a white spot at the tip of its tail. Initial studies show it is an omnivorous animal with DNA traits from Western species migrating to Asia.
5. Oreophryne Frogs
Three new frog species belonging to the Oreophryne genus — Oreophryne cameroni, Oreophryne parkopanorum, and Oreophryne gagneorum — were discovered in Papua New Guinea. The Oreophryne now has seven species, all small, measuring only 20 mm. Researchers believe that this area still holds many undiscovered species.
6. Chondrocladia lyra Sponge
The Chondrocladia lyra sponge, known as the harp sponge for its harp-like shape, was discovered off the coast of California using autonomous exploration devices. Unlike other sponges that eat bacteria or organic matter, Chondrocladia lyra is carnivorous. This sponge has long tentacles extending from its spines, which capture passing fish, wrapping them in a thin membrane for digestion.
7. Carolina Hammerhead Shark
Discovered in 2006, the Carolina hammerhead shark was only officially named this year. It is named after the region where it was found in Southern Carolina, U.S. Its distinguishing feature is the number of vertebrae. Scientists believe this shark species is common worldwide but difficult to identify due to its migratory habits, which remain a significant mystery.
Cambodia Tailorbird
The Cambodia tailorbird is a small bird with a tuft of reddish-orange on its head, discovered in Phnom Penh. The name “tailorbird” originates from their meticulous behavior of weaving leaves together to build nests. While it resembles common tailorbirds, scientists concluded it is a new species after studying its feathers, DNA, and songs. The Cambodia tailorbird is now listed as a threatened species due to its diminishing habitat.
9. Killer Whale
The killer whale is the largest in the whale family and the most aggressive predator in the ocean. So far, scientists have identified and recognized three killer whale species worldwide. This is the fourth type of killer whale discovered in the Southern Indian Ocean. Key distinguishing features of this new species include differences in behavior, dietary habits, genetic sequences, and a small head with a white spot near the eye.
Tiger Spider
The newly discovered tiger spider (Poecilotheria rajaei) was found in northern Sri Lanka. This spider measures about 20 cm, with grey and yellow stripes on its legs and body. Previously, tiger spiders lived mainly in trees, but due to increasing deforestation destroying their natural habitat, they have started moving into abandoned old buildings.
