Experts find 400 new animal species in the Amazon

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Experts find 400 new animal species in the Amazon

Conservationists have discovered more than 400 new types of animals after venturing deep into rarely-explored parts of the Amazon rainforest.

New species discovered include a monkey which purred when contented, a flame-patterned but incredibly shy lizard, and a 'vegetarian' piranha which doesn't like the taste of flesh.

Damian Fleming, head of programs for Brazil and the Amazon at WWF, said: "With an average of two new species identified every week for the past four years, it’s clear that the extraordinary Amazon remains one of the most important centres of global biodiversity."

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The Caqueta titi monkey is one of about 20 species of titi monkey, which all live in the Amazon basin. When the babies feel very content they purr towards each other. (WWF/Javier Garcia)

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Strictly herbivorous, the Tometes camunani 'vegetarian piranha' inhabit rocky rapids where their main source of food is found â€" namely, Podostemaceae aquatic herbs (river weed family). (WWF/Tommaso Giarizzo)

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The warpaint lizard too shy for battle â€" Gonatodes timidus was discovered in the part of the Amazon that extends into Guyana. Despite the extraordinary 'warpaint' colouring, this lizard is very shy and has a tendency to avoid being seen by humans. (WWF/Philippe Kok)

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Despite only just being discovered, this thimble-sized frog is already thought to be highly endangered. In fact, its Latin name (Allobates amissibilis) means “that may be lost” because it thrives in an area that could soon be opened to tourism. (WWF/Philippe Kok)

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The Chrionius Challenger snake was found in the Pantepui region of the Amazon. (WWF/Philippe Kok)

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According to the WWF, the Apistogramma cinilabra fish is already potentially endangered. (WWF/Uwe RiÌ,mer)

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Passiflora longifilamentosa was discovered in the rainforests of Peru. It is a type of passion flower that are often accompanied by brightly coloured fruits. (WWF/João Batista Fernandes da Silva)


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