Pregnant creature found in ‘rotting leaves' on Vietnam peak. It's a new species
As night stretched across a mountain in southern Vietnam, a pregnant creature waited under some 'rotting leaves.' But its hiding place wasn't hidden enough.
Visiting scientists found the 'orange-tailed' animal — and discovered a new species.
A team of researchers trekked up Tà Cú Mountain several times between 2018 and 2020 to search for wildlife. The 'isolated mountain' was already known to have three native species of lizard, so the team suspected it might have even more biodiversity, according to a study published May 14 in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Taxonomy.
During their night hikes, researchers spotted some orange tails peeking out from the bushes and found several unfamiliar-looking lizards. They took a closer look at the lizards, tested their DNA and realized they'd discovered a new species: Scincella auranticaudata, or the orange-tailed ground skink.
Orange-tailed ground skinks are considered 'medium'-sized, reaching about 6 inches in length, the study said. They have 'robust' bodies with 'short' snouts and yellow-tinged eyes.
Photos show the coloring of the new species. Its upper body has a mixture of brown and bright orange becoming more brown toward the middle of its body then fading to pale orange on its tail. Some 'large black spots' also run down its back. Seen from below, it has a 'pink' and 'yellowish' belly.
Researchers said they named the new species after the Latin words for 'orange-colored' and 'tail' because of its vibrant tail.
Orange-tailed ground skinks were found at night 'on the ground among rotting leaves in evergreen forest on a mountain slope' at elevations of about 1,700 feet, researchers said. Two female skinks were found pregnant.
Much about the lifestyle of orange-tailed ground skinks remains unknown.
So far, the new species has only been found on Tà Cú Mountain, also spelled Ta Kou Mountain, in Bình Thuận Province of southern Vietnam and a roughly 105-mile drive east from Ho Chi Minh City.
A 2021 YouTube video shared by 24 Go Somewhere shows a hike up Tà Cú Mountain.
The new species was identified by its size, scale pattern, finger and toe shape, genitalia, coloring and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least 9% genetic divergence from other related species.
The research team included Sang Ngoc Nguyen, Luan Thanh Nguyen, Manh Van Le, Vu Dang Hoang Nguyen, Khanh Duy Phan, Thi-Dieu-Hien Vo, Robert Murphy and Jing Che.
The team also discovered a second new species: the Hon Ba ground skink.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Iconic Florida plant proposed to be added to Endangered Species list
Rare ghost orchid via YouTube. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the ghost orchid, considered to be Florida's most famous flower, under the Endangered Species Act. The announcement came on Wednesday, more than three years after three environmental groups – the Center for Biological Diversity, The Institute for Regional Conservation and the National Parks Conservation Association— filed a petition requesting that the ghost orchid be listed under the law as a threatened species. The ghost orchid is endemic to southwestern Florida and western Cuba. It is estimated that its population has declined by more than 90% around the world, and by up to 50% in Florida. There are only an estimated 1,500 ghost orchids remaining in Florida, and less than half are known to be mature enough to reproduce. They are located mostly in the Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida Panther's National Wildlife Refuge, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve Park, Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and other conservation areas in Collier, Hendry, and possibly Lee counties. Among the factors that have led to the flower decreasing in population are the consequences of poaching as well as recent major storms, such as Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Ian in 2022, says Jaclyn Lopez, an attorney with the Jacobs Law Clinic for Democracy and the Environment at Stetson University's College of Law based in Pinellas County, who is representing the conservation groups. Other factors that have led to the ghost orchid becoming more vulnerable include increased development and climate change. The ghost orchid is a leafless plant species that uses its roots to photosynthesize and attach itself to a host tree. 'The habitat changes that happen used to be quite slow over time. As sea levels have changed historically that allowed plants to move,' Lopez said. 'The difference now is that the levels are rising much more quickly, not really giving plants the opportunity to adapt and to migrate on their own, and so the concern is that some of these trees could be lost to sea level rise.' In February 2023, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission posted on social media that it had apprehended individuals attempting to steal a ghost orchid. In their petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the conservation groups noted that one of the chief threats to the ghost orchid was 'overcollection,' and therefore they did not list the exact locations of where the populations of the flower exist. However, Lopez says that the Endangered Species Act requires very specific data to be included in the petition process, so the conservation groups were still able to provide that information to the Fish and Wildlife Service confidentially. 'We understood that the principal threat is poaching, so we had to make sure that we weren't going to be the reason poachers could find out their exact location,' she said, adding that the federal agency was later able to communicate directly with officials at Big Cypress and Corkscrew to provide 'location specific information on the species' right down to the individual plant. In a statement, Elise Bennett, the Florida and Caribbean director and attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, welcomed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's announcement on the ghost orchid, but said it was far too early to celebrate. '[W]ith the Trump administration's incessant attacks on landmark environmental laws meant to stop species from going extinct, we know our job here isn't done,' she said. 'We'll continue to do what's necessary to ensure the ghost orchid and every other iconic Florida species has a fighting chance to thrive in our beautiful state.' 'People love plants,' adds Lopez. 'They're part of our own ecosystem and habitat. They're part of the aesthetic of living in Florida. And ghost orchids in particular are like the movie star of that ecosystem, so I imagine that this proposal will be gladly supported. I don't expect any political interference or backlash as a result. so we're just hopeful that the administration is able to move forward without further delay in giving the species finally all the protection that it needs.' The Fish and Wildlife Service is taking public comments on the proposed rule until August 4. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Joe Rogan among the fans of revolutionary anti-aging peptide
Highway to heal? An experimental peptide is in the spotlight for its potential to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation and protect gut health. Count podcast host Joe Rogan, 57, among the fans of BPC-157 — he reported that it cleared up his elbow tendonitis in just two weeks. Biohackers hope its regenerative and anti-inflammatory powers lead to longer, healthier lives. 5 Podcast host Joe Rogan said BPC-157 cleared up his elbow tendonitis in just two weeks. Youtube / The Joe Rogan Experience 'The people who have tried it say it is life-changing,' Dr. Michael Aziz, an internist in New York and author of 'The Ageless Revolution,' told The Post. 'So is BPC-157 going to revolutionize physical therapy?' he mused. 'We hope the research comes soon.' Here's a look at the science behind the emerging therapy. What is BPC-157? BPC-157 is the short name for Body Protection Compound 157. It's comprised of 15 amino acids and derived from a naturally occurring protein in human stomach juice. Dr. Christian Muller, a sports medicine physician with Northwell Health Orthopedics in Westchester, said BPC-157 was discovered in the early '90s during research into substances that could protect the body from harm. 5 BPC-157 is in the spotlight for its potential to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation and protect gut health. Amazon How it exactly works in the body is not fully understood. 'Research suggests BPC-157 may work by enhancing the formation of new blood vessels, which improves blood flow and nutrient delivery to injured tissues, accelerating healing,' Aziz said. 'It also influences the expression of various growth factors, such as growth hormone receptors, which are crucial for tissue repair and regeneration,' he added. Inside the potential benefits The Food and Drug Administration has not approved BPC-157, as much of the research has been conducted in animals. 'There are few, extremely limited studies on humans,' Muller told The Post. 'One study showed that knee injections with BPC-157 helped with arthritis pain in 11 out of 12 subjects, but the study did not use verified survey tools to obtain reliable answers regarding efficacy.' 5 BPC-157 may be able to help with recovery after a knee injury. Dragana Gordic – BPC-157 is being explored for: Tissue repair Healing of muscle, tendon, ligament and skin wounds Collagen production Neuroinflammation Nerve regeneration Arthritis Gastric ulcers Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) Leaky gut syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome 'Had a recent knee surgery? Had an injury at the gym and your doctor suggested physical therapy for six months? Not so fast. BPC-157 can help,' Aziz said. How much should you take? Dr. Pooja Gidwani, a double board-certified internal and obesity medicine physician based in L.A., noted that there are no standard doses because human data is limited. She suggested that oral forms of BPC-157 may be helpful for gut issues, while injections are typically preferred for systemic healing, such as joint or tendon recovery. She has 'nuanced conversations' with patients eager to try it. 5 How BPC-157 exactly works in the body is not fully understood. Research suggests that it may accelerate healing by enhancing the formation of new blood vessels. Sanhanat – 'We begin with an open, informed discussion about the current evidence — what's promising and what's unknown,' Gidwani told The Post. 'For some patients dealing with chronic gut issues, tendon injuries or post-operative healing challenges,' she continued, 'we discuss where the science currently stands and make a collaborative decision based on goals, risk tolerance and alternatives.' Some researchers recommend cycling it to prevent side effects. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology, suggests limiting BPC-157 usage to eight weeks and taking an eight-week break — or more. 'My concern about taking BPC157 continuously: it promotes vascular growth, and if you have a small tumor, it will vascularize that tumor as well. Not good,' Huberman tweeted in April. And beware if you purchase capsules online. 'Many times it is fake or not safe,' Aziz advised. Behind the possible downsides 'There are potential safety concerns, but given the lack of human data, they are not truly known,' Muller said. 'Since BPC-157 has been shown to be biologically active in several complex body processes,' he added, 'there can be a multitude of unknown potential dangers across several organ systems.' 5 New blood vessel growth may help promote healing, but it could also fuel tumors. phonlamaiphoto – Since it can cause uncontrolled growth of new blood vessels, people with a history of cancer or concerns about tumors should approach BPC-157 with caution. Because it has been shown to interact with growth hormone pathways, Aziz warned of potential hormonal disruption with extended use. It's also on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list for professional athletes because of its unproven claims and possible health risks. Scientists hope to learn more about it soon. 'Peptides like BPC-157 are part of an exciting frontier in longevity and regenerative medicine — but they're still evolving,' Gidwani said. 'It's not about hype — it's about understanding the potential while also respecting the limitations of what we know.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
ispace's Resilience spacecraft lands on the moon this week: Here's how to see the landing zone on the lunar surface
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. ISpace's private Resilience Lander will attempt to touch down on the Mare Frigoris region of the moon's surface on June 5, at 3:17 p.m. EDT (1817 GMT). While you won't be able to see the lander itself from Earth, you can spot its landing zone on the lunar surface — here's how. Mare Frigoris —Latin for the "Sea of Cold" — formed billions of years ago when lava flooded a colossal network of impact basins left behind by brutal asteroid strikes. These vast reservoirs of lava swiftly cooled to form dark scars on the lunar surface that we see today. The Sea of Cold occupies an 18,000 square kilometer (6,950 square mile) swathe of the surface close to the moon's north polar region, though its average depth of just 124 miles (200 km) can make it tricky to pick out with the naked eye. The Japanese-built Resilience lander is aiming to touch down 60.5 degrees north the the lunar equator, with a longitude of 4.6 degrees west, placing it close to Mare Frigoris center, according to the spacecraft's creator ispace. Resilience is far too small to be seen from Earth, but its approximate landing site on the lunar surface is easily identifiable, if you know where to look. In the nights surrounding June 5, look toward the southeastern sky — the moon will become more visible after sunset. A pair of 10x50 binoculars will help you find the slender form of Mare Frigoris darkening the northern region of the moon's surface, but a telescope with an aperture of 6 inches or more will help resolve smaller details and allow you to zero in on Resilience's landing site. A good way to find the Resilience Lander's forever home is to locate the Aristotles Crater, which sits above Mare Serenitatis on the southeastern shore of Mare Frigoris. From there, look to the northwest to find the Archytas Crater scarring the southern shore of Mare Frigoris and beyond that the similarly-sized Timaeus crater. The Resilience Lander will set down in the area below Timaeus, to the left of Archytas, fairly close to the line dividing the dayside and nightside of the lunar surface, known as the terminator. The Resilience Lander is due to touch down on Thursday, June 5, at 3:17 p.m. EDT (1817 GMT), though the exact timing is subject to change based on operational conditions. A live stream of the event will be available here on courtesy of ispace. from 2:10 p.m. EDT on June 5 (1810 GMT/3:10 a.m. JST on June 6), with both English and Japanese language versions available. This will be the ispace's second try at landing a spacecraft on the moon, following the unsuccessful landing attempt of the Japanese company's Hakuto-R spacecraft in April 2023. The company has also selected three backup landing sites further to the west in Mare Frigoris, should conditions make the primary touch down site untenable.
