Scientists Discover 'Lost World' in New Guinea

A team of Indonesian and International explorers recently revealed some amazing pictures of new mammals, a reptile, an amphibian and a number of insects that they discovered in the remote rainforests of the Foja Mountains on the Island of New Guinea.

Among the most unusual and fun animals discovered is a frog with a long protruding nose, affectionately nicknamed Pinocchio frog. The amphibian was found hanging out atop a bag of rice that was lying at the campsite. True to its name, Pinocchio's nose gets all sharp and pointy when it is calling and droops down when quiet!

Also found is what is believed to be the world's smallest Wallaby. The small furry cousin of the Kangaroo brought to the team's attention by the locals, is about the size of a small rabbit.

They also spotted a multi-colored pigeon - sporting a beautiful purple neck and a orangish/pink body. The pigeons were so rarely seen that the scientists believe that there are very few of them left.

Other fascinating new animals included a really small tree mouse, a bend toed gecko, and a bat that uses its long tongue to suck out nectar from flowers pollinating, just like a hummingbird. Also identified, were a number of moths and butterflies that scientists believe are new species, but are not completely sure yet.

Located immediately north of Australia, in the Southwest Pacific, New Guinea is the world's second largest island. It became separated from mainland Australia during the last glacial period. The western half of the island is known as West Papua and is part of Indonesia, while the eastern half is an independent country called Papua New Guinea. The Foja mountains lie in the Indonesian section of the island and comprise of about 75,000 acres of pristine rainforests. They are home to thousands of yet to be discovered species of animals - Scientists seem to find new ones every time they visit.

source: wikipedia.org, dailymail.co.uk, cnet.com, www.conservation.org