‘Tiny’ mammals and ‘hammer’-head creatures: See these newly discovered species

The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

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:

‘Tiny’ fluffy mammal — weighing just 3 grams — found as new species in Ethiopia

In the highlands of Ethiopia, researchers have identified a new species of shrew named Crocidura stanleyi. This “tiny” mammal, weighing just 3 grams, was discovered in the Simien Mountains, a region known for its unique biodiversity. The species honors the late William T. Stanley, whose work in the area was transformative for mammalogy. | Published Aug. 27 | Read More |

‘Hammer’-head creature found in forest that survived Korean War. See new species

In South Korea, two new species of land planarians, Bipalium gwangneungensis and Novibipalium koreanum, have been discovered. These unusual invertebrates, with their “hammer-shaped” heads, were found in the forests that have survived the impacts of the Korean War. | Published Aug. 28 | Read More |

‘Long’-armed creature with row of ‘dagger-like’ spines discovered as new species

In the forests of central Vietnam, researchers have discovered a new species of lizard called Acanthosaura grismeri, or Grismer’s pricklenape lizard. This “long”-limbed creature, with “dagger-like” spines on its back, was found in Dak Lak Province. The species is named in honor of L. Lee Grismer for his contributions to herpetological research in Southeast Asia. | Published Aug. 29 | Read More |

‘Giant’ creature found lurking near stream in Madagascar. It’s a new species

In southeastern Madagascar, a new species of frog named Mantidactylus lovei, or Love’s giant stream frog, has been discovered. This “giant” creature, with its “blunt” snout, was found near streams in low-elevation rainforests. The species is named after Bill Love, a reptile enthusiast and photographer. | Published Sept. 1 | Read More |

‘Long’-armed creature with 7 eggs found on mountain in China. It’s a new species

In the Dadu River valley of Sichuan Province, China, researchers have identified a new species of lizard called Diploderma bifluviale, or the Dadu mountain lizard. This “long”-limbed creature was discovered in a mountainous river valley, characterized by its unique climate and biodiversity. The species was named after the Latin words for “two” and “rivers,” reflecting its discovery near the confluence of two rivers. | Published Sept. 3 | Read More |