25-04-2025
Watch rare sea creatures appear off Thailand and four other animal encounters
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 recent discoveries:
Venomous creature — armed with neurotoxin — found in Oman for first time. See it
In the rocky terrain of the Arabian peninsula, researchers have discovered the black desert cobra, Walterinnesia aegyptia, in Oman for the first time. This venomous snake, previously thought to be confined to Saudi Arabia, was found in the Dhofar region, raising questions about its dispersal routes. | Published April 18 | Read More |
Whale seen 'singing his heart out' in Caribbean, underwater footage shows
A male humpback whale was observed 'singing his heart out' off the coast of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean Sea. This enchanting performance, captured by divers, is believed to be part of the whale's mating behavior. The whale, identified as TCI-847, was also seen engaging in a courtship ritual earlier that day. | Published April 22 | Read More |
Odd-colored critter found at high school in India turns out to be 'rare' sight
In eastern India, at Government Diakkawn High School, researchers spotted a leucistic hoary-bellied Himalayan squirrel, a rare sight due to its almost complete loss of pigmentation. This unique squirrel, with its bright white coloring, was observed in Mizoram, contributing to the understanding of color aberrations in small mammals. | Published April 22 | Read More |
Elusive 'praying' females seen for first time 150 years after species' discovery
In the tree canopies of French Guiana, citizen scientists have finally observed female Microphotina viridescens, a praying mantis species, for the first time since its discovery 150 years ago. These females were found in Trésor Regional Nature Reserve, offering new insights into their behavior and ecology. | Published April 24 | Read More |
Rarely seen sea creatures spotted swimming and foraging off Thailand, video shows
A pair of Bryde's whales were recently seen off the coast of Thailand in Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, showcasing the health of the marine ecosystem. These sightings, captured on video, highlight the presence of this vulnerable species in the Gulf of Thailand. The Thai government lists Bryde's whales as protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. | Published April 24 | Read More |
McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery and sightings of the most unusual and intriguing species. Check back for the latest stories.
