London
Scientists have discovered new species of fanged frog, grunting fish and a giant rat, probably the biggest in the world, in a remote volcanic crater in Papua New Guinea islands.
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A team of researchers from Britain, the United States and Papua New Guinea have found more than 40 previously unidentified species in the kilometre-deep crater of Mount Bosavi, lying untouched since 200,000 years, the Guardian newspaper reported.
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The biologists discovered in the the three-kilometre wide crater 16 frogs which have never before been recorded by science, at least three new fish, a new bat and a giant rat, which may turn out to be the biggest in the world. Other predators included giant monitor lizards and kangaroos which have evolved to live in trees.
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"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," said Dr George McGavin who headed the expedition.
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New species discovered include a camouflaged gecko, a fanged frog and a fish called the Henamo grunter, named because it makes grunting noises from its swim bladder.
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" These discoveries are really significant," said Steve Backshall, a climber and naturalist.
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