On an expedition to commemorate this year’s designated International Year of Biodiversity, scientists exploring the pristine wilderness of Indonesia’s Foja Mountains found several animals never seen before.

These included what is believed to be the world’s smallest wallaby; a long-nosed tree frog; a multicolored pigeon and a yellow-eyed gecko. The trekking scientists represented the US-based Conservation International and the National Geographic Society, with additional support for the expedition coming from the US-based Smithsonian Institution as well as the Indonesian Institute of Sciences.

Commenting on the encouraging nature of these new gifts of nature, especially given the generally dire state of the planet’s biodiversity, Conservation International researcher Bruce Beehler stated, "While animals and plants are being wiped out across the globe at a pace never seen in millions of years, the discovery of these absolutely incredible forms of life is much needed positive news. Places like these represent a healthy future for all of us and show that it is not too late to stop the current species extinction crisis."

Bravo, Dr. Beehler and participating Conservation International and National Geographic Society scientists, and many thanks Smithsonian Institution and Indonesia Institute of Sciences for your gracious support as we share in this celebration of biodiversity on our Earth.

May these and all species continue to grace our world as we protect their cherished habitats in all lands.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/2010/05/201051883348225658.html
http://topnews.us/content/220011-rich-biodiversity-indonesia-proved-through-discovery-new-species