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Animals confiscated by police and ‘supergiant’ sea bugs: See the latest new species

By Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization
Scientists analyzing the DNA of confiscated pangolins and their scales discovered a “cryptic” new species: the Indo-Burmese pangolin, a study said.
Scientists analyzing the DNA of confiscated pangolins and their scales discovered a “cryptic” new species: the Indo-Burmese pangolin, a study said. Photo from Lenrik Wangmo

The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.

Learn more about some of the best new discoveries:

4-foot-long predator, kept in captivity for over a decade, discovered as new species

Scientists kept a 4-foot-long predator in captivity for over a decade and discovered a new species from Ethiopia, a study said.
Scientists kept a 4-foot-long predator in captivity for over a decade and discovered a new species from Ethiopia, a study said. Photo from BDU Fellowship VLM via Unsplash

In Ethiopia, a 4-foot-long snake known as Broadley’s African house snake was identified as a new species after being kept in captivity for years. This olive-colored predator, Boaedon broadleyi, was discovered through DNA analysis of museum samples and newly caught snakes. The species is widespread across Ethiopia and known to inhabit woodlands and grasslands. | Published Jan. 13 | Read More |

Mammals confiscated by police in India turn out to be ‘cryptic’ new species, study says

A researcher holds a Manis indoburmanica, or Indo-Burmese pangolin.
A researcher holds a Manis indoburmanica, or Indo-Burmese pangolin. Photo from Lenrik Wangmo

In northeastern India, researchers discovered the Indo-Burmese pangolin, a new species, during a forensic analysis of confiscated wildlife. This “cryptic” species, Manis indoburmanica, was identified through DNA analysis and is similar to the Chinese pangolin. The new species is found in India and likely in neighboring regions, facing threats from wildlife trafficking. | Published Jan. 14 | Read More |

‘Supergiant’ ocean creature — sold as a delicacy — is new species in Vietnam. See it

The massive sea creatures quickly became a delicacy in Vietnam and neighboring countries, researchers said.
The massive sea creatures quickly became a delicacy in Vietnam and neighboring countries, researchers said. Ng PKL, Sidabalok CM, Nguyen TS (2025) ZooKeys

In Vietnam, a new species of sea bug, Bathynomus vaderi, was discovered in markets and restaurants, known for its resemblance to Darth Vader’s helmet. These “supergiant” isopods are found near the Spratly Islands and have become a delicacy in Southeast Asia. Despite their popularity, little is known about their natural environment. | Published Jan. 14 | Read More |

‘Large’-headed river creature found in South Africa turns out to be new species

Scientists searching for an extinct fish found a “large”-headed river creature and discovered a new species, a study said and photos show.
Scientists searching for an extinct fish found a “large”-headed river creature and discovered a new species, a study said and photos show. Photo from Zarei, Mathebula and Chakona (2025)

In South Africa’s Umzimkhulu River, researchers discovered the Umzimkhulu redfin minnow, Pseudobarbus kubhekai, a new species with large heads and bright spots. This critically endangered species was identified through DNA analysis and has only been found in the Umzimkhulu River so far. Conservation efforts are urged to protect this new species. | Published Jan. 14 | Read More |

2-foot-long creature with ‘blade-shaped’ teeth found in cave. It’s a new species

Scientists found a 2-foot-long creature with “blade-shaped” teeth in Thailand and discovered a new species, a study said.
Scientists found a 2-foot-long creature with “blade-shaped” teeth in Thailand and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo from Nattasuda Donbundit via Pauwels, Donbundit, Sumontha and Meesook (2025)

In Thailand, the cicada-eating kukri snake, Oligodon cicadophagus, was discovered in a limestone cave. This 2-foot-long snake has “blade-shaped” teeth and a patternless olive-gray body. Found in two provinces, this new species was identified by its unique teeth and scale arrangement. | Published Jan. 15 | Read More |

McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of the most unusual and intriguing new species. Check back for the latest studies.

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This story was originally published January 17, 2025 at 12:11 PM with the headline "Animals confiscated by police and ‘supergiant’ sea bugs: See the latest new species."

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