Lost World of Papua New Guinea Reveals Amazing Secrets...New Species

A number of animals believed to be new to science have been spotted during a recent expedition to Papua. This gecko, with bent toes and a gargoyle-like face, is one.

The discoveries were made in Foja Mountains, sometimes nick-named 'The Lost World'. The remote region lies in the Indonesian portion of the island.

This tiny forest wallaby is believed to be the smallest member of the kangaroo family in the world, according to the research team, which was led by scientists from Conservation International.

This blossom bat is believed to be a new species. Blossom bats are smaller than fruit bats, and feed on flowers and nectar rather than fruit.

Males of this new frog species have an unusual feature - the 'nose'. This rises when the animal is calling, and deflates when it is inactive - for a reason, and by a mechanism, than have yet to be determined.

The discoveries are announced in the week leading up to International Biodiversity Day, when institutions around the world will be promoting nature and raising the issue of threats to rare species such as this Ducula pigeon.

Conservation International points out that with species extinctions now running at 100-1,000 times the "normal" rate, finds such as this treemouse in the Foja Mountains are of more than aesthetic importance.

Why are species dying off faster and faster? The first and foremost cause , global warming, climate change altering their habitat. The destruction and clearing of forests and the advance of human habitation. The pollution of water, land and air. Of course there are a few species that naturally evolve away but for the most part, we are responsible.