October 4 is World Animal Protection Day. It is believed that mankind has already studied most of the species of the inhabitants of the Earth. But the discoveries of recent years show that many more amazing creatures live on our planet. Here are some of them.
Scuba lizard
More recently, biologists from the University of Binghamton in New York have discovered that the lizard Anolis aquaticus, first described in the mid-20th century, can not breathe underwater for up to 16 minutes. A bubble filled with air appears on her head, which works like a balloon in a scuba.
The rarest big monkey in the world
In 2017, scientists discovered a new species of orangutans in Sumatra, called Tapanul. At the moment, these are the rarest large monkeys in the world. There are only about 800 of them left.
Thailand is home to the amazing Cryptotora thamicola fish, which can crawl on rocks without water for some time. Until recently, it was considered unique, but then scientists discovered 10 more species of "land" fish. The unique structure of the skeleton helps them to move on land.
Amazing arctic butterflies
During a recent expedition to the northeast of Yakutia, a team of Siberian biologists discovered previously unknown butterflies. In appearance, they resemble representatives of the rarest species of polar butterflies from the sailfish family. But they are distinguished by their larger size and more oblong wings with red strokes.
Spider that looks like the Joker
A new type of spider was discovered in Iran, which reminded scientists of the Joker so much that they decided to name it after the actor Joaquin Phoenix, who played this character. Loureedia phoenixi has a bright red and white back, similar to the clown makeup of a movie villain.
Harpesaurus with horn
In Sumatra, Indonesia, the mysterious Harpesaurus Modigliani lizard still lives, which no one has heard of since 1891. Scientists announced the rediscovery of the species in early summer 2020.
Unusual fringed turtle
A new species of fringed turtle has been discovered in South America, called Chelus orinocensis. This animal with unusual camouflage and "cunning" muzzle is so similar to its closest relative, Chelus fimbriatus, that for a long time they were considered one species.
A snake named after the character "Harry Potter"
Scientists have discovered in India a previously unknown species of viper from the genus Trimeresurus. This bright green snake is a relative of poisonous keffiys. It is found throughout East and Southeast Asia. The viper was named Salazar Slytherin after the great sorcerer and one of the founders of the Hogwarts school from the Harry Potter universe.
Amphibious "similar" to Donald Trump
In 2018, scientists discovered a previously unknown amphibian in Panama. It is a blind species from the genus of thick-skinned worms that has a habit of burying its head in the sand. A creature previously unknown to science was named Dermophis donaldtrumpi in honor of US President Donald Trump.
Mysterious larvae
Another find in Panama is 8 new species of tiny phoronid invertebrates, a bit like space aliens from science fiction films. Phoronid larvae drift in seawater, while adults live on the seabed, burrowing in sand and sediments.
