Shy and secretive creatures brought into the light: See some elusive new species

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:

‘Large’ fanged creature found lurking in dark swamp in Vietnam. It’s a new species

In the swamps of Lâm Đồng Province, Vietnam, scientists discovered the splendid fanged frog, Limnonectes splendissimus. This “large” frog, with its “fang-like” growths and “robust” body, was found during nighttime surveys in the region’s rich biodiversity. | Published Jan. 17 | Read More |

‘Large’-eyed swamp creatures found mating in Indonesia. They’re a new species

On Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, researchers identified Boeadi’s tree frog, Rhacophorus boeadii, during a wildlife survey. These “medium”-sized frogs with “gold” eyes were found in swamps and trees at high elevations. | Published Jan. 21 | Read More |

2-foot-long creature with ‘secretive’ lifestyle found in Vietnam. It’s a new species

In the forests of Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam, scientists found Poyarkov’s big-tooth snake, Lycodon poyarkovi. This “medium-large” snake, known for its “secretive” nature and “pinkish orange” bands, was identified as a new species. | Published Jan. 22 | Read More |

Elusive creature with ‘window’ in its eyelid found in China city. It’s a new species

In Chengdu, China, researchers discovered the Chengdu ground skink, Scincella chengduensis, during a biodiversity survey. This “medium-sized” lizard, with a “transparent disc” in its eyelid, was found in challenging urban habitats. | Published Jan. 17 | Read More |

‘Shy’ creature peaks out from safety of coral reef in the Maldives. It’s a new species

In the Maldives’ coral reef twilight zone, researchers identified the shy perchlet, Plectranthias raki. This “pinkish-white” fish, with “red-orange” patches, was found at depths between 328 to 410 feet. | Published Jan. 17 | Read More |

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

This story was originally published January 24, 2025 at 1:52 PM with the headline "Shy and secretive creatures brought into the light: See some elusive new species."