An expedition to the remote Foja mountains of Papua New Guinea by Conservation International and the National Geographic Society has revealed a host of new species, from a bizarre frog to a new imperial pigeon
Pinocchio frog
This tree frog has a long protuberance on its nose. It points upwards when the male is calling, but deflates and points downwards when he is less active.
The frog is thought to be a member of the Litoria genus, also known as Australasian tree frogs. It joins around 150 other known species.
(Image: Tim Laman/National Geographic)
Dwarf wallaby
This is the smallest species of kangaroo yet to be found in the wild.
The animal is a lesser forest wallaby (Dorcopsulus), one of only three such species known to exist.
(Image: Tim Laman/National Geographic)
Imperial pigeon
These birds were spotted on four occasions during the expedition, but had never been seen before – suggesting that there are not many of them.
They are a new species of imperial pigeon (Ducula), distinguished by their rusty, whitish and grey feathers.
(Image: Neville Kemp)
Tree mouse
This is almost certainly a new species of tree mouse (Pogonomys).
These animals are found only in Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia.
“The Foja mountains are a virtual island where species have evolved for millennia,” said John Francis of National Geographic.
(Image: Tim Laman/National Geographic)
Blossom bat
This bat is also a new species, joining the small Syconycteris genus.
It feeds on nectar from rainforest flowers.
(Image: Tim Laman/National Geographic)
Bow-fingered gecko
Last but not least, this is a new species of bow-fingered gecko (Cyrtodactylus).
Geckos are famous for their remarkable ability to climb up slippery walls, using their tails to recover if they fall off.
(Image: Tim Laman / National Geographic)
