When you picture your favourite animal, the image that pops into your head is likely that of a dog, a cat, a dolphin, or a similar cute animal. Species such as these have dominated the hearts of humans for many years, but with these recent scientific discoveries the tides may be changing. I don’t know about you, but I for one believed previously that all the “cute” animals had already been discovered. But take a look at these!
1. The “Adoribilis” (it’s so cute scientists want to name it after the word adorable!)
A relative of the Octopus, this cute ocean species was discovered by a Marine biology researcher Stephanie Bush in the deep, dark depths of the ocean’s waters. The official name of this species is leaning towards “Opisthoteuthis adorabilis“, or “adorable octopus.” With it’s puppy dog eyes and ears, this sea creature will certainly make a name for itself in the future.
2. The Pika
No, unfortunately it’s not the related to the Pikachu Pokemon, but this Pika is equally as cute. This mammal was actually discovered twenty years ago in China, and was not rediscovered until recently. Scientists actually set up specialized cameras to track this animal. The Pika could be playing the world’s best game of hide and seek! Because this furry creature is so hard to track, little is known about it’s habitat and needs.
3. The Squee! (This relative of the frog will have you “squee-ling” with joy!)
Scientists have recently discovered seven new species of frogs in the Rainforests of Brazil. Each frog is smaller than a thumbnail! (Maybe it’s the size that makes this creature so irresistible.) An interesting fact about these frogs is that they actually come in a rainbow of colours. The species in the picture actually has Leopard spots, earning it the name of “Brachycephalus leopardus”.
4. The Yeti Crab!
Alright, so depending on how you view this species, it’s either cute or creepy. From the cute point of view, it looks a bit like a furry scarf you could wrap around your neck. From the creepy side, it reminds some of a furry white spider. However, this species is new and interesting nevertheless. It’s not called the “Yeti” Crab, or “Kiwa Hirsuta” for nothing! The Yeti crab was discovered during the Easter Microplate expedition to the southeast Pacific, led by MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Insitute) scientist scientist Bob Vrijenhoek. A fascinating fact about this crab is that it lives on lava flows, while it’s distant relative the Hermit Crab prefers ocean tides.
References:
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2015/06/16/adorable-octopus-name/#.VZTCi_lVikq
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2015/03/27/rare-pika-photographed/#.vymwgabthkm
http://www.livescience.com/51085-tiny-frogs-found-in-brazil.html
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/photos/9-newly-discovered-species/look-what-we-found
