New Himalayan Species and an Ancient Warrior

From the eastern Himalayas to Italy, it seems there’s a lot of discovering going on in August 2009. For starters, the World Wildlife Federation has reported about 350 new species within the past decade. In this article, you will learn what new animals are being recognized, as well as what was discovered on an Italian beach that has archeologists abuzz.

353 New Species in the Himalayas

On the list of new species in the Himalayas includes a frog that flies and the smallest deer in the world. The first new monkey species discovery in more than a century has also been accomplished. However, the essential habitats of the mountain range are being threatened by unsustainable development taking place throughout the region.

The newly discovered species located in Nepal, China, India, Bhutan and Myanmar faces an uphill battle to survive under growing conditions. In a report concerning the new species explosion, the creatures will have to overcome a variety of obstacles, such as climate change, deforestation, overpopulation of the locals, as well as overgrazing by domestic livestock and illegal poaching. To make matters worse, wildlife trading also takes place. The report also stated that only 25% of the original habitats in the region remain intact. The species called the Eastern Himalayas their home are looked at as ‘globally threatened.’

Discovered between 1998 and 2008, the new species include an interesting collection of mammals, amphibians, insects, and other critters. The red-footed tree frog (dubbed as the ‘flying frog’) uses large webbed feet to glide when falling. The Caecilian is a limbless amphibian that looks much like a giant earthworm that dwells underground. The smallest deer in the world (the miniature muntjac) measures 60 to 80 centimeters tall and lives in the northern part of Myanmar. The new monkey species introduced to the public is of the macaque family , recognized as the highest-dwelling monkey species in the world, reaching heights between 5,000 and 11,500 feet above sea level.

Ancient Skeleton Found on Italian Beach

A nearly intact skeleton of a warrior has been uncovered on an Italian beach , the remains dating back 4,500 years. Researchers have a feeling that the man whose bones they found had lost his life in battle. An arrow was embedded in the ribs of the upper chest. However, how does this theory explain why several ceramic jars and other flint arrow heads were found buried about the body? This practice suggests that he was given a proper funeral or burial.

While flying over a beach at Nettuno, located south of Rome, officers attached to the carabinieri’s cultural section caught sight of the skeleton. The region already has a reputation for producing an array of archeological artifacts. At first, the flight officials thought they had come across a tomb. After removing the remains, the skeleton was placed on at the cultural section’s headquarters in Rome. He has been nicknamed ‘Nello’ after the archeologist who discovered the remains. Although the location of Nello has been known since May, his discovery has been kept a secret to avoid the threat of grave robbers.