Amazingly, new animal species continue to be discovered every year, with endless opportunities to uncover more as we explore more and more of our planet. In the year 2013, scientists identified an array of stunning new species that prove just how important conservation of natural spaces is to the future of science. Here are just 3 bizarre animals that were discovered in 2013.
Olinguito
Measuring 2.5 feet in length, the olinguito is the first carnivorous mammal to be discovered in the Americas in over three decades. With its bushy tail and red-orange fur, the olinguito resembles a small raccoon from a distance. The elusive creature spends most of its time leaping through the treetops of Ecuador and Columbia. The olinguito maneuvers at night, which makes it very difficult to see it in action. Unfortunately, the animal’s living range has been limited due to deforestation.
New Skeleton Shrimp
Skeleton shrimp were first discovered in the early 19th century, but a new species of these bizarre animals was discovered in a reef cave near California’s Catalina Island in 2013. At first glance, this new species of skeleton shrimp looks like a terrifying monster from a sci-fi film, displaying a striking similarity to the praying mantis with a translucent body that enables it to hide among the vegetation in the sea floor, but at just a couple millimeters in length, it poses very little threat to other marine life. Dubbed Liropus minusculus for its diminutive size, scientists are unsure of how long this species of skeleton shrimp has been in existence.
Longtail Carpet Shark (Indonesia)
This bizarre-looking shark actually uses its fins to crawl along the sea floor, giving it the moniker “walking shark” in addition to bamboo shark and longtail carpet shark. Unlike some of the other intimidating sharks that roam the ocean, the long-tailed carpet shark poses no threat to humans unless provoked. Although other species of long-tailed carpet shark are known to reside in other areas of the globe, this is the first to be discovered in the waters of eastern Indonesia. It typically lives a very sedentary life when it is not searching for small fish and crustaceans to eat, but would stand out easily if it were taking a walk along the reef!
