The Year’s Top 10 New Species

Of the nearly 18,000 new species discovered in the past year, here are the top 10, according to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Many scientists believe there could be upwards of 10 million unidentified species out there in the wild, but every year researchers make a significant dent in that daunting number.

Of the nearly 18,000 discovered in the past year, here are the top 10, according to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. 

Number 10. Chelonoidis donfaustoi, Galapagos, Ecuador. While the area’s tortoises have long been known to exhibit notable differences from one another, this is the first to be declared as a sort all its own. 

Number 9. Drosera magnifica, Brazil. A member of the famed sundew genus, this rather large carnivorous plant lives in a very small and fragile region of the South American nation. Conservationists already fear for its survival. 

Number 8. Homo naledi, South Africa. When the fossils were found, the list of human ancestors got a little longer. Exactly where in the family tree it belongs is unclear, as dating has yet to be completed. 

Number 7. Iuiuniscus iuiuensis, Brazil. It is definitely an isopod, but does something its land and water crustacean kin do not – build mud shelters. The structures are made for added protection during molting season. 

Number 6. Lasiognathus dinema, Gulf of Mexico. Anglerfish are largely known for 2 things – the pole-like extensions coming from their heads and their less than lovely appearances. This new one is no exception.  

Number 5. Phyllopteryx dewysea, Australia. The third known seadragon species is really rather stunning. Notable features include a bright red color overall and pink markings. 

Number 4. Phytotelmatrichis osopaddington, Peru. They are tiny enough to set up homes in the leaf bases of spikey plants, but what the itsy bitsy beetles rely upon for food remains a mystery.

Number 3. Pliobates cataloniae, Spain. About 11 million years ago, this primate wandered the area, scaling trees and grabbing fruit. The animal was only about 17-inches tall and weighed roughly 10 pounds. 

Number 2. Sirdavidia solannona, Gabon. The tree has been a roadside mainstay at a national park for some time, but its relatively small size resulted in it being overlooked. Though tall, it supports its flowering branches on a trunk that is only 4-or-so inches in diameter.

Number 1. Umma gumma, Gabon. The damselfly is colorful and attention grabbing, inspiring scientists to name it after the Pink Floyd recording of the same name.  

Which newly discovered species do you find most fascinating?