Meet A Rainbow Fish In Addition To 146 New Species Discovered In 2022
A total of 146 new species discovered in 2022 including species of animals, plants, and fungi thanks to the efforts of scientists at the California Academy of Sciences and their peers throughout the world.
Author:Karan EmeryReviewer:Daniel JamesJan 01, 202323.5K Shares367.6K Views
A total of 146 new species discovered in 2022including species of animals, plants, and fungi thanks to the efforts of scientists at the California Academy of Sciences and their peers throughout the world.
The mountains of California, the state of Queensland in Australia, the rocky peaks of Brazil, and the coral reefs of the Maldives were just few of the places where the previously unknown animals and plants were discovered. Scientists found new information on six continents and in three seas.
“„Nearly every mountain in New Caledonia hosts a unique Bavayia species, and these habitats share many of the same conditions. The result is several species that are often almost indistinguishable from one another.- Aaron Bauer, California Academy of Sciences
One of the seven new fish discovered rainbow fish | rose-veiled fairy wrasse
Two New Species Of Scorpions
Harper Forbes and Prakrit Jain, both from the San Francisco Bay Area, worked with the California Academy of Sciences' curator of arachnology Lauren Esposito to discover two new species of scorpions.
In order to identify the little scorpions that inhabit the dry lake bottoms of Central and Southern California, the students first viewed images of the species on the iNaturalist online platform and then conducted fieldwork to locate them.
One species of scorpion, Paruroctonus soda, dwells on ground that is protected by the federal government, while the other, Paruroctonus conclusus, inhabits a narrow, mile-long strip of land that is not.
“„The entire species could be wiped out with the construction of a single solar farm, mine, or housing development. Mapping the biodiversity of a given area can help build the case for why that land should be protected.- Harper Forbes, California Academy of Sciences
According to Shannon Bennett, virologist and head scientist of the California Academy of Sciences, new species research is crucial for identifying habitats most in need of protection. Indeed, conservation was a central theme during the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, which took place in Montreal from December 7-19, 2022.
“„As we’ve seen over the last two weeks at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, biodiversity science is at the forefront of global conservation action and is key in unifying nations and equipping them with the tools and information necessary to reverse species extinction rates by 2030. By uncovering and documenting new species, we can contribute to this landmark goal and ensure that our natural world remains rich and diverse for generations to come.- Shannon Bennett, California Academy of Sciences
Discovery In Mountain
In 2015, Julie Kierstead, a research associate at the Academy, discovered a new species of onion while flying over the Klamath Mountains in California. Kierstead discovered an unnamed blooming allium—a member of the same plant family as onions, shallots, and garlic—during the helicopter's 30-minute stop atop Minnesota Mountain.
Since then, a second population of Minnesota Mountain onions was found on neighboring Salt Creek Mountain. The higher precipitation totals at both summits have enabled the onion to thrive.
Frank Almeda, retired curator of botany at the California Academy of Sciences, and research assistant Ricardo Pacifico discovered new blooming plants on the remote peaks of Brazil's campo rupestre, thousands of kilometers distant.
Plant life has adapted to the mountainous region's difficult circumstances, which include intense temperatures, powerful winds, and nutrient-leached soils, and remarkably survive there.
Within the habitat that had never been studied by botanists previously, Almeda and Pacifico discovered 13 new kinds of flowers. The scientists warned that the climate crisis may cause environmental changes that would wipe out the newly found blooming plants' highly specialized habitat.
Discovery In Ocean
The rose-veiled fairy wrasse was one of seven new fish identified this year; it is found in the "twilight zone" of the Indian Ocean. The bright fish, which has the scientific name Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa, was discovered off the coast of the Maldives at depths of between 40 and 131 feet (12 and 40 meters).
Reefs in the "twilight zone," which may be anywhere from 50 to 150 meters (approximately 160 to 500 feet) below the ocean's surface, provide a special habitat for fish like fairy wrasses.
The name is a tribute to the beautiful pink coloration of the fish and the pink rose, the national flower of the Maldives. Rose is translated as "finifenmaa" in the native Dhivehi language.
Even though hundreds of species call the seas of the Maldives' atolls home, it wasn't until Ahmed Najeeb identified the fairy wrasse that a local researcher could claim to have done so.
“„It has always been foreign scientists who have described species found in the Maldives without much involvement from local scientists, even those that are endemic to the Maldives. This time it is different and getting to be part of something for the first time has been really exciting, especially having the opportunity to work alongside top ichthyologists on such an elegant and beautiful species.- Ahmed Najeeb, Maldives Marine Research Institute
Final Words
Forty-four lizards, thirty ants, fourteen flowering plants, thirteen sea stars, seven fish, four sharks, three moths, two spiders, and one toad were among the new species discovered.
A group of tiny forest geckos in the highlands of New Caledonia have had their number of recognized species increased by more than double thanks to the efforts of Aaron Bauer, an academy research associate. A total of 28 new Bavayia geckos have been discovered on several islands in the South Pacific, and they all have the same brown and white coloration.
Karan Emery
Author
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Daniel James
Reviewer
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging.
With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work.
His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being.
In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active.
His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
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