What New Species Have We Discovered in 2024?

Scientists discover new species of plants and animals every year. New species in 2024 is no different.

The diversity and amount of life on Earth are astounding. Ecologists have officially described 2.16 million species but there could be over 100 million out there. We discover more each year. Despite the large number of species we are aware of, we are just beginning to discover the extent of life on Earth, and there is so much more to uncover. However, as we enter new species into the record books, we lose others forever because of the destruction of habitats, climate change and illegal hunting.

Finding New Species

The advancement of technology has helped science classify and discover new species. Being able to study and look at DNA has shown how species differ on a molecular level. Communication and cooperation with others around the globe have also contributed to discovering new species. In time, perhaps the advancement of technology will allow us to save or bring back extinct species through cloning — science is certainly working on advancing the technique to make it a possibility!

Commercialization has also contributed to the discovery of new species. With commercial fishing heading into deeper waters for food, they are pulling up aquatic animals that have remained unseen for eons — or perhaps ever.

With the need for crops and livestock to feed hungry populations, farmers and ranchers are cutting down habitats for pastureland and cropland, which displaces animals and brings them out of hiding. While not exactly the most sustainable or environmentally friendly way to discover new species, it still lets us know they exist and gives us the opportunity to find ways to preserve their habitats.

New Species in 2024

Every year, scientists identify thousands of new species, with insects being the most common. Even though we are only partway through the year, science has added to the species list. New species in 2024 include the following listed below.

Ocean Dwellers

The ocean has a major year in 2024, with at least 20 species added to humanity’s knowledge. It includes several urchins, corals, shrimps, among others.

Some notable ones include the Casper octopus 900 miles away from Chile. In the same area, which was previously minimally excavated for species, was a new scorpion fish, Helicolenus lengerichi. Another terrifying entry into the king crab family made itself known as well. In a less terrifying category, a new Short spine spurdog called Squalus mitsukurii was seen skirting around the floor.

At the time of reporting, only 26% of the area was documented, so more could arise.

Another deep sea discovery was found in the midnight zone. The dubbed mystery mollusk is the first of its kind to be found so far deep in the ocean, which sunlight cannot reach.

Insects

It was a good year for new species of bugs in 2024, specifically in French Polynesia. The area is home to 33% of the world’s Pseudoloxops genus, with 17 news ones discovered this year. There were a few fascinating specimens among them. Some had an affinity for ferns, which is atypical of other species. They were host switchers between those and flowering plants.

Another 17 insects were discovered in Australia by citizen scientists. Some include the Hitchhiker fly, a wasp that is a natural predator against the Fall Armyworm, and more.

Lizards

In Amazonas, Peru, two new lizards were found. The orange and black-striped Petracola amazonensis and the brassy, shimmery Petracola shurugojalcapi. Advanced methods were required to study these lizards, and it will likely be the reason others get discovered in these beautiful mountains.

At the University of Texas at Arlington, biologists found a new gecko. It is brown with a cone-shaped head. Its skull is the most interesting aspect, because the anatomy is so unique. Sometimes, a little fieldwork goes a long way unexpectedly.

Mammals

This year, a mammalian species was discovered in Colorado. Unfortunately, it was a fossil. It is estimated to have lived around 70 million years ago during the age of the dinosaurs. The fossil was the size of a penny, and the name translates to “swamp dweller.” After evaluations, the create was said to more closely resemble a muskrat.

Plants

2024 was a big year for plants, so here is some of the highlights. An underground tree, a rare palm, was found among 74 other new plants from scientists in the UK. The tree is from Borneo, and the fruits don’t grow on wide-reaching branches like most. They grow below the surface. Among the other discoveries were Antarctic fungi and a carnivorous plant from Mozambique.

Stunning flowers were found in China. These colorful pink and blue and white petals add to the region’s diverse florals. They included:

• Melanoseris penghuana
• Hydrangea xinfeniae
• Prunus tongmuensis
• Ophiorrhiza reflexa
• Ligularia lushuiensis

Delightful Discoveries

Year after year, the discovery of new species is exciting and encouraging. Researching and learning more about plants and animals gives us deeper insight into our own lives and a better understanding of the planet we call home.

Despite the number of new species we discover each year, we are losing more at an unprecedented rate — mostly to environmental impacts caused by humans. It’s our responsibility to protect the earth and the creatures living on it so all plants and animals can thrive and survive.

Have your own ideas, comments or questions about conservation or environmental awareness? Contact me so we can work together to make the world a better place to live.

This post was updated on November 19, 2024 with more updated information.