Biggest new animal discoveries of 2013

 

Thousands of species were scientifically described for the first time in 2013. Many of these were "cryptic species" that were identified after genetic analysis distinguished them from closely-related species, while others were totally novel. Below are some of the most interesting "new species" discoveries that took place or were formally announced in 2013. 

Click here for the complete list of discovered species in 2013

GoPro Project New Zealand

An overview of some wildlife encountered and filmed with the GoPro HD Hero 2 & 3 cameras whilst out on the water looking for orca. Edited and filmed by Robert Marc Lehmann & Dr Ingrid N. Visser for the Orca Research Trust.

Don´t miss the "coming soon" GoPro Orca Project Teaser sequence at the end!

www.orcaresearch.org

Stunning footage!!!

Bloodsucking flies help scientists identify rare, hard-to-find mammals

The face of the blue bottle fly (Calliphora vomitoria). New research shows how this carrion-eater carries the mammals of the forest in his stomach. Photo by: J.J. Harrison.

Last year scientists released a study that is likely to revolutionize how conservationists track elusive species. Researchers extracted the recently sucked blood of terrestrial leeches in Vietnam's remote Annamite Mountains and looked at the DNA of what they'd been feeding on: remarkably researchers were able to identify a number of endangered and rarely-seen mammals. In fact two of the species gleaned from these blood-meals had been discovered by scientists as late as the 1990s. In the past, trying to find rare and shy jungle animals required many man hours and a lot of funding. While the increasing use of remote camera traps has allowed scientists to expand their search, DNA sampling from leeches could be the next big step in simplifying (and cheapening) the quest for tracking the world's mammals. But now a new study in Molecular Ecology adds another twist: flies. 

Click here to read more

Cornell University's biodiversity recordings made public

The Macaulay Library is the world's largest and oldest scientific archive of biodiversity audio and video recordings. Our mission is to collect and preserve recordings of each species' behavior and natural history, to facilitate the ability of others to collect and preserve such recordings, and to actively promote the use of these recordings for diverse purposes spanning scientific research, education, conservation, and the arts.

Single cells, Single cells, Plankton All The Way....

Because of the reaction to his special Christmas card Dr Richard Kirby is considering putting it on sale next year

Christmas Card made out of tiny sea creatures

'.....The variety is incredible and if you look at them with a festive eye you can see all sorts of things.

'Many people have remarked how certain plankton remind them of other things, so I've collated several pictures to make a classic Christmas card.

'The importance of these micro marvels in the sea can't be underestimated.

'Their importance on a global scale is obvious when you realize that 50 per cent of the world's photosynthesis takes place in the surface of the sea, drawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the oceans and releasing oxygen.....

Aid Needed for Wildlife in BP Oil Spill

21 years after Exxon and the effects are still being felt. Currently in the Gulf Coast it is nesting season for several endangered species including sea turtles and pelicans. The NWF are on the forefront and list several ways you can help this delicate ecosystem survive this tragedy.

How You Can Help Wildlife Impacted by the BP Oil Spill

One Cubic Foot

Within One Cubic Foot
Guess how many organisms you'll find in a cube of soil or sea.
By Edward O. Wilson
Photograph by David Liittschwager

When you thrust a shovel into the soil or tear off a piece of coral, you are, godlike, cutting through an entire world. You have crossed a hidden frontier known to very few. Immediately close at hand, around and beneath our feet, lies the least explored part of the planet's surface. It is also the most vital place on Earth for human existence.... Click here to read more

One Cubic Foot Photo Gallery