1,300 new plant & animal species named in WWF report: "Australia's Hidden Treasures"

[depakid]

"Flesh-eating pitcher plant, (Nepenthes tenax), discovered in Queensland.
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Among the 1300 new species named in the report, Australia's Hidden Treasures, are a ''flesh-eating'' plant, one of the world's most venomous snakes and a frog that changes colour to impress the opposite sex.

The report, released to mark tomorrow's National Threatened Species Day, highlights the diversity of plants and animals that have been discovered or newly described. It includes more than 1070 plants, 195 fish, 74 reptiles, 13 amphibians and seven mammals.

The threatened species program manager at WWF-Australia, Michael Roache, said the finds could represent a fraction of species yet to be discovered. ''In a country where we have so many biologists, it's amazing that we're still finding so many new species,'' he said. ''It's a testament to the amazing biodiversity.''

Discovered in 2006 in Cape York, the Nepenthes tenax, more commonly known as the ''flesh-eating'' pitcher plant, can grow up to one metre tall, and is believed to eat small rats, mice, lizards and birds. Species such as the fast-talking tree frog and the Torresian flying fox are among the other many treasures scientists have discovered.

Professor Chris Dickman from Sydney University said it was almost by accident that he discovered the Agile antechinus and Boullanger Island dunnart. He said other biologists considered the species to be all the same but his research found vital differences to prove they were unique.

''When you spend a bit of time working with a species, you get to notice if anything looks or behaves a bit differently,'' he said. ''It's pretty amazing: you think, 'Of course, this explains the difference, it's a different animal,' and it's like a light-bulb moment.''

Mr Roache said the new species highlighted the pressures vital habitats were facing, with a growing population, development and demand for natural resources.

''I think it gives us hope and a bit of pride in our biodiversity and, if we have pride, I think people will take better care of the environment,'' he said.

More: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/look-whats-new-in-the-australian-zoo-20090905-fc2t.html