Latest news with #CuongThePham
Miami Herald
14-02-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
From pet aquariums to the reefs of Bora-Bora: See the latest new species
The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists. Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses. Learn more about some of the best new discoveries: 'Long'-limbed creature with bright yellow belly found lurking. It's a new species In western Thailand, scientists discovered a new species of gecko named Cnemaspis enneaporus, or the Sai Yok rock gecko, while exploring a karst forest. These geckos have slender bodies, large eyes, and distinct coloring, with males displaying a bright yellow belly. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the Sai Yok District, where these geckos were found. | Published Feb. 7 | Read More | Sleeping creature with 'dagger-like spines' found in Vietnam. It's a new species In the forests of southern Vietnam, researchers discovered a new species of lizard called Acanthosaura cuongi, or Cuong's horned tree lizard. These lizards are moderately-sized with 'dagger-like spines' and varying colors, blending well with their surroundings. The species was named in honor of Vietnamese researcher Cuong The Pham for his contributions to herpetological research. | Published Feb. 6 | Read More | 'Vivid' green creature — with beefed-up forearms — is new species in China. See it In southern China, a new species of frog called Amolops gudao, or the Gudao Cascade frog, was discovered in the Gaoligong Mountains. These medium-sized frogs have 'vivid' green skin with black spots and notably robust forearms. The species was named after the Southern Silk Road, reflecting its historical significance. | Published Feb. 12 | Read More | Scuba diver spots 'spaghetti'-like creature — and discovers new species in Bora-Bora A marine biologist discovered a new species of marine worm, Loimia poraporaensis, or the Porapora spaghetti worm, while diving in Bora-Bora. These worms have long white tentacles and live in tubes made of coral fragments. The species was named after Bora-Bora, where it was first found, and plays a critical role in marine ecosystems. | Published Feb. 6 | Read More | 'Armored' river creature found in pet aquariums worldwide turns out to be new species In Brazil's Xingu River, researchers identified a new species of catfish, Hypancistrus seideli, or Seidel's armored catfish, known for its maze-like pattern and popularity in aquariums. These medium-sized catfish have armor-like plates and large eyes, with a distinctive color pattern. The species was named in honor of aquarist Ingo Seidel for his contributions to the field. | Published Feb. 12 | Read More | McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of the most unusual and intriguing new species. Check back for the latest studies.
Miami Herald
06-02-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Sleeping creature with ‘dagger-like spines' found in Vietnam. It's a new species
As darkness settled over a forest of southern Vietnam, a 'long'-limbed creature with 'dagger-like spines' climbed into a shrub and fell asleep. But the night wouldn't be restful. Passing scientists found the snoozing creature — and discovered a new species. Researchers hiked into the mountains of Khanh Hoa Province and Phu Yen Province several times between 2022 and 2023 to survey wildlife, according to a study published Feb. 5 in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Taxonomy. During their visits, the team found a dozen unfamiliar-looking lizards, the study said. Intrigued, they took a closer look at the 'distinct' reptiles and quickly realized they'd discovered a new species: Acanthosaura cuongi, or Cuong's horned tree lizard. Cuong's horned tree lizards are considered 'moderately-sized,' reaching over 8 inches in length, the study said. They have 'slightly robust' bodies with 'relatively long' limbs. Their 'triangular' heads have yellowish eyes and a 'blueish gray' tongue. A row of 'dagger-like spines' runs down their backs. The new species varies in color, ranging from green to 'orange-yellow' and brown to 'purplish gray' but usually has brown blotches and a 'black eye patch,' researchers said and photos show. Overall, the lizards appear to blend in with their surroundings. Cuong's horned tree lizards live in forests at the base of a mountain range, the study said. They were found at night 'clinging to, and sleeping in shrubs, thin trunks of small trees, beneath dense forest canopy.' Photos show a few of these perches. Researchers said they named the new species after Cuong The Pham, a Vietnamese researcher focused on amphibians and reptiles, 'in recognition of his support' for their work and 'his great contributions to herpetological research in Vietnam.' So far, Cuong's horned tree lizards have been found at two sites in neighboring districts of Khanh Hoa Province and Phu Yen Province along the country's southeastern coast, the study said. Researchers did not provide the exact locations 'to avoid abuse.' The new species was identified by its body shape and size, coloring, spines, scale arrangement and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least 11% genetic divergence from other related species. The research team included Hai Ngoc Ngo, Linh Tu Hoang Le, Tao Thien Nguyen, Tuan Minh Nguyen, Ngan Thi Nguyen, Tien Quang Phan, Truong Quang Nguyen, Thomas Ziegler and Dang Trong Do.
