A rolling rock held a prehistoric predator and four more new species discoveries
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Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are being discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.
Take a look at some recent new species discoveries:
Prehistoric predator — dragon of the west wind — found in rolling chunk of rock
In the Serra Da Galga Geosite of Brazil, a fossilized piece of a pterosaur, named Galgadraco zephyrius, was discovered. This “dragon of the west wind” is a medium-to-large pterosaur with an estimated wingspan of 13 to 16 feet. The fossil represents the first pterosaur specimen from the well-studied Bauru Group, dating back to the Upper Cretaceous period. | Published Sept. 26 | Read More |
‘Horned’ creature with ‘large’ ‘reddish’ eyes found in China. It’s a new species
In the Dalaoling Nature Reserve of central China, researchers discovered a new species of frog, the Mount Dalaoling horned toad. This medium-sized toad has large reddish-brown eyes and a rough skin texture. The species was found in a cold stream, and its habitat is threatened by tourism and habitat destruction. | Published Sept. 30 | Read More |
‘Secretive’ creature with ‘enlarged’ teeth found in China. It’s a new species
In the forests of Yunnan province, China, scientists discovered the Mountain Jinuo reed snake, a new species with enlarged teeth. This snake, known for its cryptic appearance and secretive habits, was found in a tropical evergreen forest. It is part of the least understood snake lineages in Southeast Asia. | Published Oct. 1 | Read More |
Deep-sea creature with 18 ‘dark yellow eggs’ caught in Japan. It’s a new species
Off the coast of Japan, researchers identified a new species of snailfish, Paraliparis anomalus, during deep-water trawl surveys. This pale pink fish, found at depths of about 2,200 feet, has a slender body and trilobed teeth. A female specimen was found with 18 dark yellow eggs, highlighting the species’ unique reproductive traits. | Published Oct. 1 | Read More |
‘Large’ creature with ‘long’ tail found in pond in China. It’s a new species
In the Wumeng Mountains of southern China, scientists discovered the Wumeng Mountains warty newt, a large salamander with a long tail. This species, found in waterholes surrounded by bamboo forests, is characterized by its rough skin and reddish-orange markings. Its limited range and potential threats necessitate conservation evaluation. | Published Oct. 2 | Read More |
This story was originally published October 3, 2025 at 1:41 PM with the headline "A rolling rock held a prehistoric predator and four more new species discoveries."