World

Prehistoric creatures, animals found on remote mountains and 3 more new species

Researchers in the Andes of Argentina discovered one of the oldest known dinosaurs as a species new to science.
Researchers in the Andes of Argentina discovered one of the oldest known dinosaurs as a species new to science. National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET)

The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are being discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.

Take a look at some recent new species discoveries:

New species of dinosaur found in Argentina may be one of world’s oldest. See it

The dinosaurs were herbivores.
The dinosaurs were herbivores. Jorge Blanco National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET)

In the Quebrada de Santo Domingo in Argentina, paleontologists have discovered a new dinosaur species named Huayracursor jaguensis. This long-necked dinosaur, found at about 9,800 feet above sea level, is estimated to be one of the oldest ever discovered, dating back to the Late Triassic period. | Published Oct. 17 | Read More |

1-foot-long creature with ‘tail shield’ found at India farm. It’s a new species

A Rhinophis siruvaniensis, or Siruvani shieldtail snake.
A Rhinophis siruvaniensis, or Siruvani shieldtail snake. Photo from UPK via Cyriac, Umesh, Achyuthan, Kulkarni and Ganesh (2025)

On a farm in southern India, a new species of snake named Rhinophis siruvaniensis has been discovered. Known as the Siruvani shieldtail snake, it was found during agricultural digging operations in the Siruvani Hills. | Published Oct. 20 | Read More |

Orange-bellied creature — found on mountaintop — is new species in China. See it

The newt is completely black from the top, but has an orange and red belly and tail underneath.
The newt is completely black from the top, but has an orange and red belly and tail underneath. He, et al (2025) Animals

Researchers in the Qingliangfeng Nature Reserve in China have identified a new species of newt named Pachytriton cheni. This small-sized newt, found in remote mountain streams, is notable for its orange-red belly and bright orange tail. | Published Oct. 21 | Read More |

‘Strong’-armed creature with yellow fingertips found on peak. It’s a new species

A Gracixalus liusanjieae, or Maoershan small tree frog, seen from above and below.
A Gracixalus liusanjieae, or Maoershan small tree frog, seen from above and below. Photos from Guohua Yu via Wu, Pan, Chen, Ye, Yu and Zou (2025)

In the Maoershan National Natural Reserve in China, scientists have discovered a new frog species called Gracixalus liusanjieae. This small tree frog, found in a bamboo forest, is characterized by its strong arms and yellow fingertips. | Published Oct. 22 | Read More |

Forest creature — with ‘coppery’ arms — is new species in China orchid reserve

The Yachang leaf litter toad.
The Yachang leaf litter toad. Huang Z, Zeng Z-C, Wang J, Wang H-T, Deng Z-H, Wang Z-W, Liao X-W, Mo Y-M (2025) Herpetozoa

In the Yachang Orchid National Nature Reserve in China, researchers have found a new species of frog named Leptobrachella yachangensis. This small frog, with its coppery orange arms, was discovered in clear-water streams within the reserve. | Published Oct. 22 | Read More |

This story was originally published October 24, 2025 at 2:57 PM with the headline "Prehistoric creatures, animals found on remote mountains and 3 more new species."

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