Charismatic megafauna popping up in lots of places

Darren Naish brings an interesting paper to our attention: a claim that over 400 new mammal species have been discovered since 1993. While 60% of these were formerly classified within another species (i.e. were cryptic species), the remainder are apparently brand-spanking-new. Wander on over to Darren's post for further details and discussion.

The paper in question is: Ceballos, G. & Ehrlich, P. R. 2009. Discoveries of new mammal species and their implications for conservation and ecosystem services. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 106, 3841-3846 (link)

Tags

More like this

Hopefully it is well known that we still have a lot to learn about the planet's extant macrofauna. And, by 'macrofauna', I'm not talking about nematodes, molluscs or insects but, yes, about such things as mammals. In fact, on mammals specifically, discovery rates indicate that we really should…
In terms of its zoological diversity, Europe is the best known continent on the planet. Indeed it's generally assumed that just about all of Europe's macrofauna has, by now, been discovered. While that's mostly true, it seems that at least a few species - so called 'cryptic species' - have been…
By complete coincidence - honestly! - we looked yesterday at discovery rates among terrestrial mammals. All indications are that many species remain to be discovered. It should also be well known, and I hope it is, that the same is true for large marine vertebrates: recent discoveries, and…
I think I said recently that there have been way too many dinosaurs on Tet Zoo lately. It isn't that I don't like dinosaurs: it's just that I aim to provide balance and, let's face it, writing about charismatic megafauna all the time - especially dead charismatic megafauna - doesn't help. However…