The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) announced the discoveries on December 19, noting that the newly described species span a wide range of life forms, including dinosaurs, mammals, fish, reptiles and insects. One of the most striking aspects of this year’s findings is that many species were not uncovered during recent expeditions to remote regions, but rather identified from long-overlooked specimens preserved in museum collections for decades.

Among these “hidden” discoveries is Supradiscus varidiscus, a small freshwater fish with a sucker-like mouth, endemic to Vietnam’s highland river systems. The species was identified from specimens collected in the Lo River, part of the Red River basin. According to AMNH ichthyologists, the specimen had been stored in the museum’s archives for approximately 25 years before being examined in detail and formally described. The discovery marks the first recorded presence of the genus Supradiscus in Vietnam, offering new insights into the biodiversity of the country’s freshwater ecosystems.

Vietnam’s second representative on the list is Habropoda pierwolae, a bee species distinguished by its dense fur and rounded appearance, which has led researchers to nickname it the “teddy bear bee.” The species was described in a study co-authored by Vietnamese scientist Tran Thi Ngat of the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources of Vietnam, highlighting Vietnam’s growing role in international biodiversity research.

Beyond Vietnam, the 2025 list features a number of remarkable discoveries from around the world. These include Huadanosaurus sinensis, a feathered dinosaur that lived approximately 125 million years ago in what is now China, discovered with fossilized remains of two small mammals preserved inside its stomach - rare evidence of its final meal. Other additions include the long-nosed opossum mouse Marmosa chachapoya from the remote mountains of Peru, as well as ancient fruit flies whose mouthparts evolved into hardened, jaw-like structures used to grasp mates.

Commenting on the findings, Cheryl Hayashi, Senior Vice President at the American Museum of Natural History, emphasized that discoveries such as Vietnam’s new fish species underscore the enduring scientific value of museum collections. Specimens preserved across generations, she noted, continue to reveal new knowledge, reminding scientists and the public alike that many forms of life on Earth remain unnamed — sometimes hidden in plain sight.

Rare monkey species released back into the wild in Quang Tri

VOV.VN - Two rare monkey species - the stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides) and the northern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca leonina) - have been released into their natural forest habitat in the central province of Quang Tri.