New species
The thrill of discovering a new species!
Here are some fascinating facts about new species:
- How many new species are discovered each year? According to the International Institute for Species Exploration (IISE), approximately 15,000 to 20,000 new species are discovered every year.
- What are the most common types of new species? Most new species are insects (such as beetles, ants, and butterflies), followed by plants, fish, and amphibians.
- Where are new species typically found? New species are often discovered in remote, underserved, or hard-to-reach areas, such as:
- Tropical rainforests
- Coral reefs
- Deep-sea environments
- Remote islands
- High-altitude regions
- How do scientists discover new species? Researchers use various methods to discover new species, including:
- Field observations
- DNA sequencing
- Morphological analysis
- Camera traps
- Citizen science initiatives
- What are some recent examples of new species? Some notable examples of new species discovered in recent years include:
- Olinguito (Bassaricyon neblina): a new species of mammal discovered in the Andes mountains in 2013.
- Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis): a new species of great ape discovered in Indonesia in 2017.
- Dendrogramma enigmatica: a new species of marine animal discovered in 2014, which has no eyes, brain, or internal organs.
- Naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber): a new species of rodent discovered in 2019, which has a unique, hairless body.
These are just a few examples of the many new species that are discovered every year. The discovery of new species not only expands our understanding of the natural world but also highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these unique and fascinating creatures.