California Academy of Sciences researchers have added 70 new plant and animal species in 2021. This list includes 14 beetles, 12 sea slugs, 9 ants, 7 fish, 6 scorpions, 5 sea stars, 5 flowering plants, 4 sharks, 3 spiders, 2 sea pens and one moss, pygmy pipehorse, and caecilian. Academy scientists along with international collaborators have described all these species. All these species have enriched our understanding of Earth’s complex web of life. These discoveries have strengthened our ability to make advanced conservation decisions.
These explorations proved that there are still many unexplored and never-before recorded plants and animals in our Earth. The scientists have looked into five continents and three oceans. They have ventured through forest floors, vast deserts and deep ocean. Their findings have helped Academy’s mission to regenerate natural world through science.
A bright coloured weevil
The scientists have described Pachyrhynchus obumanuvu. This is the scientific name for a bright coloured Easter egg weevil from Philippines. These weevils live 3,000 feet above sea level in the moss-covered cloud forest. The Pachyrhynchus obumanuvu have complex patterns of iridescent yellows and greens unlike any normal weevil which is of single colour.
A camouflaged pygmy pipe horse
In the underwater cliffs in the coast of Northland, New Zealand, scientists have found a wall of red coralline algae. But scientists have said it is a new species of pygmy pipe horse which has almost camouflaged by its surroundings. This finding has shed light into a new genus of pipe horse. This pipe horse has been last seen in 1921 in New Zealand.
Scorpions in Mexico
Scientists found scorpions in Mexico’s tropical lowland forests. Scientists finds out six new species of bark scorpions in Mexico. Though we know that scorpions usually live in deserts but these bark scorpions live in the treetops of undisturbed primary forests.
São Tomé caecilian
Scientists have always debated about whether or not the São Tomé caecilian is one or two species. After a careful study of 85 individual caecilian of São Tomé Island, scientists have come to a conclusion that they are two distinct species. A burst of volcanic activity in São Tomé Island around 300,000 years ago have made caecilians an isolated habitat of the island. But as the island becomes normal the two species of caecilian lived together. This mixture has eliminated the genetic lines between them.
Malagasy guitarfish
Scientists have found two blue-spotted guitarfish from Madagascar and Socotra. As they are easily available, these shark-like rays are one of the most endangered species among any other cartilaginous fish. Before this finding there was a lack of knowledge about Malagasy guitarfish.
Sea stars found coral reef
Scientists have found five new-to-science echinoderms, this includes marine animals like sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and many more.
