Sunday, September 24, 2006

New Species in Papuan Waters


The Indonesian speckled carpetshark


Scientists combing through undersea fauna off Papua province in Indonesia said Monday that they had discovered dozens of new species, including a shark that walks on its fins and a shrimp that looks like a praying mantis.

The team from Conservation International also warned that the area, known as Bird’s Head Seascape, is under danger from fishermen who use dynamite and cyanide. The group, based in the United States, called on Indonesia’s government to do more to protect it.

“It’s one of the most stunningly beautiful landscapes and seascapes on the planet,” said Mark Erdmann, a senior adviser at the group who led two surveys of the area earlier this year.


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