Latest news with #isla
Miami Herald
07-02-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
New species from depths of the ocean and animals rediscovered in the Himalayas: See them
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: 'Fanged' creatures — discovered in the dark — are new species in Indonesia. See them In the Meratus mountain range of Indonesia, researchers discovered two new species of fanged frogs, Limnonectes maanyanorum and Limnonectes nusantara. These frogs were found under the cover of darkness along streams and are known for their distinctive vampire-like fangs. | Published Jan. 31 | Read More | 'Elusive' creature was missing in Himalayas for 91 years — until angler caught one The Channa amphibeus, a snakehead fish thought to be extinct, was rediscovered in West Bengal, India, after being missing for 91 years. This rare fish, known for its vibrant colors and unique features, was found in the Kalimpong District, nestled between Nepal and Bhutan. | Published Feb. 3 | Read More | Colorful creature found 'basking' in sun on uninhabited island. It's a new species On Scawfell Island off Australia's northeastern coast, a new species of skink, Lampropholis isla, was discovered basking in the sun. This vibrant lizard, known as the Scawfell Island sun skink, was found in the island's rainforest areas. | Published Jan. 30 | Read More | Spiky 'large'-eyed creature found hunting near windmills in India. It's a new species In Maharashtra, India, a new species named Amarasinghe's house gecko, or Hemidactylus amarasinghei, was found near the Chalkewadi Windmill Farm. This spiky, medium-sized gecko was discovered in rocky patches and is notable for its 'large' brown eyes. | Published Feb. 3 | Read More | 'Long' purple sea creature — with 24 'feet' — pulled from depths. It's a new species A new species of sea cucumber, Laetmogone multiradiolus, was discovered in the Kermadec Trench in the South Pacific Ocean. This 'long,' purple creature with 24 tube feet was found 3.5 miles deep in the ocean. | Published Jan. 31 | 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
30-01-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Colorful creature found ‘basking' in sun on uninhabited island. It's a new species
On an uninhabited island off the coast of Australia, a 'smooth' rainforest creature sat in a patch of sunlight. But the 'basking' animal wouldn't be left in peace. A visiting scientist spotted it – and discovered a new species. Conrad Hoskin arrived on Scawfell Island, a rugged island off the country's northeastern coast, in 2021, he wrote in a study published Jan. 27 in the peer-reviewed Australian Journal of Taxonomy. He landed with a goal in mind. 'I went to that island in the hopes of finding some interesting reptile species,' Hoskin told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in a 2023 interview about the trip. During his visit, Hoskin searched the island's rainforests and noticed some unfamiliar-looking lizards, the study said. Intrigued, he caught a few and took them back to the mainland. When he compared the lizards to examples of known species, nothing matched. Hoskin soon realized he'd discovered a new species: Lampropholis isla, or the Scawfell Island sun skink. Scawfell Island sun skinks can reach about 4 inches in length, the study said. They have 'robust' bodies with 'almost no narrowing at (the) neck.' Their lower eyelids have a 'transparent' window-like disc. Some adult skinks had 'regrown' tails. Males and females of the new species vary in coloring, Hoskin said and photos show. Male Scawfell Island sun skinks have 'light brown' bodies with 'bright orange' patches on their sides. Female skinks also have brown bodies but no colorful patches, the study said and a photo shows. Hoskin found Scawfell Island sun skinks in rainforest areas with 'granite rocks,' such as several leaf-filled 'gullies.' He also saw the lizards 'basking in sun gaps on the forest floor' and searching for food. The new species's scientific name is the Spanish word 'isla,' meaning 'island,' after its native environment, the study said. So far, the new species has only been found on Scawfell Island. Hoskin searched nearby islands for the lizard but did not find it. Scawfell Island is about 30 miles from Mackay, the closest mainland city, and is 'protected within' a national park, the study said. Previously, Hoskin also discovered a new species of gecko, which he described as a 'little dragon,' on Scawfell Island. 'The presence of two vertebrate endemics (native lizards) on Scawfell Island is exceptional' and 'highlights the conservation significance of this island,' he wrote. The new species of skink was identified by its DNA, scale pattern, coloring and other subtle physical features, the study said.
