New Species ?

The debate of course is whether the hundreds of new species of animals being discovered every month are really new or just old species that are just now being discovered. Due to humans encroaching on many animal habitats and more researchers in the field than ever before there has been a plethora of discoveries involving previously unknown animals and New Species?

The Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) instituted by Conservation International has led to the discovery and scientific identification of 1,300 new species in the last twenty years. This program has lead to over 80 survey's in 27 different countries.

Listed below are four recently discovered new species of animals and original illustrations of each.

Scientists have discovered a new species of Bottle nose Dolphin swimming in the southern hemisphere near Australia and New Zealand. Researchers from the Macquire and Monash University made the discovery while collecting genetic samples from what they thought were Coastal Bottle nose Dolphins.

"They look alike but are genetically quite different," said Luciana Moller, of Macquire University. "We were surprised."

After DNA testing 200 dolphins, they realized that they had a brand new species. The discovery was reported by Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution and is consider quite significant, as new species of large mammals are rare.

In November of 2010, a new species of carnivorous pitcher plant has been found by (FFI) Fauna and Flora International in Cambodia's remote Cardamom Mountains. The discovery of Nepenthes Holdenii is an indicator of both the stunning diversity and lack of research in the area.

Recently discovered caves in nearby Vietnam have revealed entire ecosystems within them, including jungles, streams and animal life. These recent ecosystems being discovered underground could provide a whole new list of undiscovered birds, bats, fish, insects and plant life and could potentially redefine how animals adapt to changing environments.

This recently discovered tree frog found in Peru sports a bright burst of flames on its head and shoulders with contrasting water patterns on its legs. Its habitat seems located near the Iquitos area of Peru a lowland forest. It has also been found in the Alpahuayo Mishana National Reserve in Peru.

Is this a new species?

Or just an old one revealed through a destroyed habitat and diligent research?

A recently discovered exotic nudibranch or sea slug was found in the coral reefs off of Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef, but that isn't any surprise as at least three new species are found everyday.

Results from a recent 2008 survey suggest that a large majority of the Reef's population has yet to be scientifically identified, whether from lack of research or our ever evolving planet creating new species only time will tell.

I would like to believe that our planet is not only capable of creating new species but is doing so even as we speak, however considering how little we know about the Earth it's hard to say. I know due to our own negligence and pollution we are killing off far more species than we are discovering. I know that learning to coexist with the remaining creatures on this planet is paramount in our own evolution.

Conservationism could very well be a new way of developing our service to others spiritual philosophy as we shape our new world in the coming decades. The question still remains though as the Earth evolves does it also create new species?