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Tuesday 18 May 2010

New species found in 'Lost World' rainforest


A Pinocchio frog with an extendable nose and the world's smallest wallaby are just some of the new species discovered in a mountainous region of Indonesia.

The Foja Mountains, a national wildlife sanctuary, is on the island of New Guinea and encompasses 1,200 sq miles of undisturbed rainforest.

The discoveries were made as part of a survey in the area by Conservation International. A team of 17 scientists were dropped off in the area by helicopter. They were then joined by 30 local naturists and spent four weeks exploring the mountains.

Bruce Beehler, a senior research scientist at Conservation International and a member of the research team that set out in November 2008, said "while animals and plants are being wiped out across the globe at a pace never seen in millions of years, the discovery of these absolutely incredible forms of life is much-needed positive news. Places like these represent a healthy future for all of us, and show that it is not too late to stop the current species extinction crisis."

The mountainous region has been called the "Lost World" due to it's absence of roads and tropical environment which has made it the perfect habitat for diverse species.

Conservation International hopes it's documentation of the wildlife in the Foja Mountains will encourage the Indonesian Government to increase long-term protection of the area.

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