The era of pioneers exploring the world and its inhabitants is over. But nature is changing and adapting, creating new species of animals, fish, birds, and insects. Every year, scientists discover what was previously unknown. Some animals are like something out of science fiction movies.
Goliath birdeater
Bad news for arachnophobes: the largest spider in the world, the Goliath bird-eater, reaches 28 cm in length. It is common in South American countries and prefers swampy, damp areas. This spider feeds on small snakes, frogs, rodents, and lizards. It was officially discovered in 2006, although specimens of this species had been found as early as 1965.
Walking shark
The walking shark was discovered in 2006 during an Indonesian expedition to Cendowasih Bay. Its body shape and anatomy are similar to other sharks, and it can swim. However, it prefers to walk on its fins along the bottom. It feeds on small fish and mollusks.
Lesula
This charming monkey was discovered in 2007 in a teacher's house in the Republic of Congo. The first reports of its presence date back to 2012. These small vegetarian primates, weighing up to 7 kg (males), live in small groups. The species is endangered due to hunting by local residents.
Darwin's spider
The spider got its name on the 150th anniversary of the publication of "The Origin of Species," when it was first described. However, it was discovered eight years earlier, in 2001, on the island of Madagascar. These spiders are famous for the strong webs they spin. Their webs can reach a maximum length of 25 meters.
Wattled Smoky Honeyeater
Discovered during a 2005 expedition, the bird became the first new species in New Guinea since 1939. They are distinguished by the vibrant orange-red skin around their eyes. They also have a distinctive swaying gait.
Baby seahorse
A surprisingly tiny seahorse was first caught in 2008 in Indonesia, near Derawan Island. The tiny creature measures 1.5 cm in length and 1 cm in height.
Louisiana batfish
The pancake fish is another species of batfish, belonging to the order Anguidae. It was discovered in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. It gets its name from the flat shape of its body.
Walter's Duiker
An unusually small animal, discovered in 2010 in West Africa. Adults reach a maximum weight of 6 kg and a height of 40 cm. Duikers also have long hind legs, which are significantly longer than their front legs. They feed on fruits.
Yeti Crab
The first specimen of this crab species was discovered in 2005. At first glance, the crab's body and claws appear to be covered in hair. In reality, these hairs are specialized bristles that filter toxic compounds from the water that are harmful to the crab.
Micro tree frog
Discovered in 2009, the microvacuum reaches less than 7 mm in length, hence its name.
Red-bearded Titi
This small primate, discovered in 2008 in the Amazon rainforests of Colombia, is already endangered. There are no more than 250 of this species of monkey worldwide. Like all primates, Red-bearded Titi resemble humans, but their distinctive characteristic is that they are monogamous. Monkeys form pairs and remain inseparable throughout their lives. The young are usually cared for by the male.
Megalara Garuda
A large wasp from the sand wasp family was discovered in 2012. The insect's body reaches 3.2 cm in length. The wasp is a predator and eats other insects.
Pinocchio the Frog
The first information about these frogs was published in 2010, although they were discovered in Indonesia in 2008. These frogs have a long, unusual nose, which earned them the nickname "Pinocchio." However, the nose serves more than just a decorative function: it rises when in danger.
Skeleton shrimp
The shrimp, averaging 1 mm in length, has a fantastic appearance, resembling a skeleton. These creatures inhabit the Pacific Ocean near California.
Burmese snub-nosed monkey
Snub-nosed primates were discovered in 2010 in Northern Burma. These monkeys sneeze during rain due to the structure of their noses.
