Photos: Ulla Lohmann and Jonny Keeling via BBC.
The need to preserve Earth’s habitat before we destroy creatures we haven’t even met has been highlighted with the recent ‘lost world’ discovery in Papua New Guinea.
A team of biologists, including experts from Oxford University, the Smithsonian Institute, and the London Zoo, took part in a fruitful expedition to the interior of the remote, kilometer-deep volcanic crater of Mount Bosavi.
The group discovered over 40 new, unidentified species, including fanged frogs, grunting fish, and a giant woolly rat who apparently had no idea that humans are destroying the planet and was fearless and unreserved when meeting them.
The biologists were thrilled with such exotic and exciting discoveries. Dr. George McGavin, leader of the expedition, said, “It was mind-blowing to be there and it is clearly time we pulled our finger out and decided these habitats are worth us saving”.
The rich and varied ecosystems within the world’s rainforests are in peril. In Papua New Guinea, for example, the rainforest is being destroyed at a rate of 3.5 per cent a year.
Perhaps the thought of obliterating species before we even know they exist will prompt action to prevent the demise of this fascinating planet.
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