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