This is 2025. And, according to Dr. Shannon Bennett, head of science at the California Academy of Sciences, scientists have only identified about 10% of all species on Earth.
“While it is important to protect known threatened species, we must also allocate resources to identifying unknown species that may be equally important to ecosystem functioning,” CNN quoted Dr. Bennett as saying.
In 2024, scientists discover hundreds of fascinating new species of animals, plants and fungi, shedding light on Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Below are the major searches:
pygmy pipehorse
A new species of pygmy pipehorse, Silix nkosi, was found in the Indian Ocean near South Africa. This seahorse, the size of a golf tee, was found hidden in a sponge. Its name, inspired by the Zulu word for “chief”, refers to the shape of its crown-like head.
Moths
Researchers at the Natural History Museum in London identified 11 new insect species. One discovered in Madagascar, Hemiceratoides, drinks the tears of sleeping birds. Another, Carmenta brachyclado, traveled from Guyana to Wales in the shoes of a photographer before being identified as a new species.
Vegetarian Piranha
A herbivorous piranha, Myloplus sauron, was discovered in the Xingu River in Brazil. Its disc-shaped body with a vertical stripe resembles the Eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings.
fungus
A new fungus species, Phellodon castanoleucus, was discovered in the wooded heathland of England. Instead of gills, it has tooth-like structures on the underside of its cap, a rare feature among fungi.
Orchids and Ghost Palms
Five new orchid species and a brown-stemmed ghost palm were found throughout Indonesia and Borneo. This palm is notable for its white lower surface leaves, joining the list of rare plants discovered in 2024.
Although these discoveries are exciting, scientists at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, have raised concerns about their survival. Many species are already at risk of extinction due to human activities, making conservation efforts urgent.
These findings remind us of the richness of Earth’s biodiversity and the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems. Researchers hope that 2025 will bring even more unprecedented discoveries.
