Table of Contents
Discovered over the past two decades, Mental Floss magazine has introduced us to a variety of fascinating animals that were once unknown to the majority. From monkeys that purr to peculiar creatures like the “wandering leg sausage,” here are 20 incredible animals that have recently captivated the world’s imagination.
1. The Olinguito (Bassaricyon neblina)
Dogs, cats, seals, and raccoons all belong to the Carnivora order of mammals. In 2013, biologists made a groundbreaking discovery—the olinguito, an orange-brown relative of the raccoon. This discovery marked the first new member of this group in the Americas since 1978. Interestingly, olinguito specimens had been housed in museums for years before being recognised as a distinct species. Native to the cloud forests of Ecuador and Colombia, the olinguito weighs around two pounds and has an omnivorous diet.
2. Six-Gill Sawsharks (Pliotrema kajae and Pliotrema annae)
Saw sharks are named for their elongated snouts, which feature comb-like teeth. In 2020, researchers identified two new species in the Indian Ocean: Pliotrema kajae and Pliotrema annae. Unlike most saw sharks, which typically have five gills on each side, these newly discovered species possess six gills on both sides.
3. The Bald Parrot (Pionopsitta aurantiocephala)
Unlike the bald eagle, the South American bald parrot features a bare face and neck. In 2002, ornithologists were astounded to discover this distinctive bird with a bright orange head. Although only a single parrot was found, its unique lack of head feathers confirmed it as a previously unknown species.
4. Lady Gaga’s Treehopper (Kaikaia gaga)
Treehoppers are known for producing sounds through plants and feeding on plant juices. In 2020, Brendan Morris, a graduate student at the University of Illinois, discovered a new treehopper species, which he named after the legendary pop star Lady Gaga. He explained, “If there’s going to be a Lady Gaga bug, it’s going to be a treehopper because they have wild horns and a unique fashion sense.”
5. The Vangunu Giant Rat (Uromys vika)
Locals on Vangunu Island in the Solomon Islands had known about a large, coconut-eating rat long before mammalogist Tyrone Lavery officially confirmed its existence in 2015. Lavery remarked, “It’s the first rat discovered in 80 years from the Solomons, and it’s not that people haven’t been trying—it was just so hard to find.” This rat measures 18 inches long and weighs 2.2 pounds, making it four times heavier than a typical sewer rat. Its impressive size is enough to make anyone do a double-take.
6. The Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus)
File this under “hiding in plain sight.” Isla Escudo de Veraguas, a small island off the coast of Panama, spans just 1.6 square miles. Like the mainland, it is home to three-toed sloths. However, the sloths on this island are smaller, and in 2001, they were officially recognised as a distinct species.
7. A Shiny Snake (Achalinus forum)
This remarkable burrowing reptile, known for its shiny scales, was discovered in Vietnam in 2019. It was named in honour of herpetologist George Zug and his wife, Patricia.
8. Goodman’s Mouse Lemur (Microcebus lehilahytsara)
Goodman’s mouse lemur, recognised for its large eyes, is roughly the size of an average mouse. Native to the rainforests of eastern Madagascar, this tiny lemur made global headlines when it was discovered in 2005. It is nocturnal and typically sleeps in groups during the day.
9. Greening’s Frog (Corythomantis greening)
Poisons cause harm when swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, whereas venom must be injected through fangs or stingers. While poisonous frogs are fairly common, the first venomous frog, Greening’s frog, was discovered in Brazil in 2015. Although scientists were aware of this frog before, they did not realise it was venomous. When a researcher picked up the frog, spines on its upper jaw scratched his hand, releasing a painful chemical cocktail. This venom is not only intensely painful but also twice as toxic as that of a pit viper.
10. Northern Sierra Madre Forest Monitor (Varanus bitatawa)
The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard and the most iconic species of monitor lizard. Recognised by their forked tongues, monitor lizards typically consume meat, insects, and eggs. However, the Northern Sierra Madre forest monitor, discovered by scientists in 2010, stands out. These 6.5-foot lizards are skilled climbers and specialise in eating fruit.
Conclusion
Researchers have made thrilling discoveries in the past 20 years, identifying 10 species previously unknown to science. These findings cover a wide range of life forms, from minuscule insects to large mammals, showcasing our planet’s biodiversity’s vast richness and diversity. Each newly discovered species offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of ecosystems and emphasises the importance of ongoing exploration and conservation efforts to protect these extraordinary creatures for future generations.
