World

Pink creature found in ‘stinky’ cave and four other discoveries: See these new species

By Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization
In forests, caves and rivers around the world, new species lurk in the shadows.
In forests, caves and rivers around the world, new species lurk in the shadows. Conscious Design via Unsplash

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 recent discoveries:

‘Large’ creature discovered in cave smelling of rotten eggs in Iran. It’s a new species

Females of the new species were much larger than the males, researchers said.
Females of the new species were much larger than the males, researchers said. Jugovic, J., Malek-Hosseini, M. J., Issartel, C., Konecny-Dupré, L., Kuntner, M., Fatemi, Y., Flot, J.-F., Douady, C. J., & Malard, F. (2024) European Journal of Taxonomy

In the caves of southwestern Iran, researchers discovered a new species of isopod named Stenasellus stygopersicus. These “large-sized” isopods, with their coral pink color, were found in groundwater rich in hydrogen sulfide. The cave, known locally as Chal Kabootari, is located near Tashan City. | Published Nov. 26, 2024 | Read More |

River creature with ‘armored’ body and ‘tall’ head discovered as new species in Brazil

Scientists found an “armored” creature with a “tall” head in the Tocantins River and discovered a new species, a study said.
Scientists found an “armored” creature with a “tall” head in the Tocantins River and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo from Felipe Araújo

In the Tocantins River in Brazil, scientists identified a new species of catfish called Hypancistrus parkateje. Known as the Parkatêjê armored catfish, this species features a distinctive “armored” body and “tall” head. The discovery was made in the State of Pará, highlighting the region’s aquatic biodiversity. | Published Nov. 22, 2024 | Read More |

‘Dwarf’-like creature — kept in terrarium for 5 years — turns out to be new species

Scientists found a “dwarf”-like creature in Cameroon, kept it in terrarium and discovered a new species: Lobeke dwarf gecko, study said.
Scientists found a “dwarf”-like creature in Cameroon, kept it in terrarium and discovered a new species: Lobeke dwarf gecko, study said. Photo from Getty Images / iStockphoto

The Lobeke dwarf gecko, or Lygodactylus lobeke, was discovered in the rainforests of Cameroon. This “dwarf”-like lizard was kept in a terrarium for five years before being identified as a new species. The gecko’s unique ability to change color based on mood was observed during its time in captivity. | Published Nov. 27, 2024 | Read More |

Rainforest creature with ‘very unusual’ head found in Ecuador. It’s a new species

Scientists found a “robust” creature with a “very unusual” head on a rainforest trail and discovered a new species, a study said.
Scientists found a “robust” creature with a “very unusual” head on a rainforest trail and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo from Mark Oliver Rödel

In the rainforests of Ecuador’s Esmeraldas Province, researchers found a new species of caecilian named Caecilia truncata. This “robust” amphibian, with its “very unusual” head, lives underground and was discovered during nighttime surveys. The species was named for its truncated snout, a distinctive feature. | Published Nov. 25, 2024 | Read More |

‘Large’-eyed creature with ‘hourglass pattern’ found in a bush. It’s a new species

Scientists found a “large”-eyed creature with an “hourglass pattern” in bushes of India and discovered a new species, a study said.
Scientists found a “large”-eyed creature with an “hourglass pattern” in bushes of India and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo from Getty / iStock

The Asakgre bush frog, or Raorchestes asakgrensis, was discovered in the Garo Hills and Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, India. This “large”-eyed frog is known for its “hourglass pattern” and was found calling from bushes at dusk. The species was named after the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve, where it was first identified. | Published Nov. 22, 2024 | Read More |

McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of the most unusual and intriguing new species. Check back for the latest studies.

Read Next

This story was originally published November 29, 2024 at 7:23 AM with the headline "Pink creature found in ‘stinky’ cave and four other discoveries: See these new species."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER