Tropical Eden revealed: Suriname's strange species

Scientists hit the jackpot when they traveled to Suriname, a country on South America's northeast coast, to hunt for rare and new creatures. The assessment team, led by Conservation International, cataloged 1,378 species in a mountainous region of southeastern Suriname - including 60 species that are thought to be new to science. In this photo, a margay (Leopardus wiedii) holds still on its forest perch.

Ants are important scavengers, and in this photo, several of them (Camponotus sp.) are eating a dead insect. This represents just one of the 149 ant species observed on the expedition, with many more still to be found.

Coprophanaeus lancifer is the largest of all South American dung beetles. Despite its name, this species feeds more frequently on dead animals than on dung. Both males and females have long horns on their heads, which they use during intense battles with other individuals of the same sex. The vast difference in adult body size seen here is primarily determined by how much food was available to the developing larva.

The "cocoa" tree frog (Hypsiboas sp.), like other amphibians, has semi-permeable skin that makes it highly sensitive to changes in the environment, especially climate and water. This particular frog species may be new to science. More than 100 species of frogs are thought to have gone extinct over the past three decades, so the discovery of a new species is especially heartening.

A storm moves over the rapids of the Palumeu River by the small settlement of Kampu in southeast Suriname. The science team's first base camp was much farther upstream, where the Palumeu River was so narrow, scientists could cross it via a fallen tree. The river is a part of the Upper Palumeu River Watershed, close to the border with Brazil, where the team conducted its surveys in 2012.

This orchid (Phragmipedium lindleyanum) is one of several rare and beautiful orchid species found on a mountaintop of the previously unexplored Grensgebergte Mountains. Many rare species occur on these distinctive granite outcroppings in Suriname. Mountaintop species like this one are highly vulnerable to climate change, since they are unable to migrate upslope in response to warming temperatures.

The tiny "Lilliputian beetle" (Canthidium cf. minimum) probably represents a new species to science, and perhaps even a new genus. At just a tenth of an inch (2.3 millimeters) in length, it may be the smallest dung beetle in the Guiana Shield, and perhaps the second smallest of currently described species in South America. Its antlerlike antennae provide an acute sense of smell.

While most katydids are herbivorous and feed on leaves, this species (Copiphora longicauda) uses its powerful, sharp mandibles to prey upon insects and other invertebrates. It is a member of the aptly named group of conehead katydids.

Because many mammals are so elusive and difficult to observe in the forest, scientists use automated camera traps to record them. Here, a margay curiously inspects one of the camera traps. The camera uses an infrared sensor to detect passing animals, triggering the shutter to snap a picture. Out of the 24 large mammal species encountered on the expedition, many were detected only by using camera traps, including the puma.

An outlook on Kasikasima, a unique granitic mountain formation that rises over 2,300 feet (700 meters) above the rainforest, provides a commanding view of its surroundings. Scientists found several unusual species on this mountain, including some species of water beetles that were new to science. A trail climbing one side of the mountain provides an opportunity for adventurous ecotourists to immerse themselves in nature, while also providing a sustainable source of income for the local community.

Southeastern Suriname may be a "tropical Eden," but that doesn't mean it's a paradise for every one of its creatures. This photo, taken during one of the scientists' strolls at night, shows a wolf spider eating a poison-dart frog.

Water rushes over rocks near the base of Suriname's Kasikasima Mountain. The riparian zone along the region’s numerous streams and rivers provides important habitat for an enormous diversity of terrestrial and aquatic species.

A tree frog (Hypsiboas geographicus) clings to a branch in the lowland forest near Kasikasima Mountain. It represents one of the 46 frog species identified during the expedition, including six frog species that may be new to science.

The unusual dorsal coloration of this poison dart frog (Anomaloglossus sp.) differs from a similar species (Anomaloglossus baeobatrachus) found at the same sites, suggesting that it may represent a species new to science. Poison dart frogs are famous for the often powerful toxins they secrete. This poison is used by local people to hunt for food, but also holds enormous potential to yield new medicines to aid the global population. Chemicals from some poison dart frogs have already been used to develop painkillers, muscle relaxants and heart stimulants.

This katydid species (Pseudophyllinae: Teleutiini) is so strange that it actually represents an entirely new genus to science. Its unusually long, gangly legs are covered in sharp spines that help to deter predators. Many katydids are sensitive to habitat disturbance, and the species found on this expedition indicate that the region is pristine.

The bright colors of the false coral snake (Erythrolamprus aesculpi) lend it protection from predators, even though it lacks the deadly venom of the true coral snake. This is one of the 19 snake species encountered on the expedition, which included a true coral snake, a deadly fer-de-lance viper, and a species (Pseudoboa sp.) potentially new to science.

The Larger Fruit-eating Bat (Artibeus planirostris) was the most abundant bat seen during the survey. With their sharp teeth, they are capable of grabbing and eating large fruits.

The Delicate Slender Opossum (Marmosops parvidens) is an arboreal species that eats insects and fruit. This species is indicative of pristine, primary forests, and is one of the 39 species of small mammals (rats, bats, opossums) discovered on the expedition. Many small mammal species are important for dispersing seeds and ensuring forest regeneration.

The purpleheart tree (Peltogyne venosa) forms massive buttress roots that provide support, especially during extreme storms and flooding events. Purpleheart trees are prized for their dense, hard wood, and the fact that this tree has survived suggests an absence of logging in the area. In this picture, Trond Larsen, director of Conservation InternationaI’s Rapid Assessment Program, stands amid the buttress roots.

The mountains and extensive intact forests of southeastern Suriname are often shrouded in clouds, and it is one of the wettest areas of the country. The headwaters here provide an important source of freshwater used by more than 50,000 people downstream. These remote forests are unmarred by roads and other forms of deforestation.

The snouted tree frog (Scinax sp.) is one of six new frog species that scientists found during the Suriname expedition.

Conservation International's Trond Larsen stands in the middle of the science team's flooded camp in southeastern Suriname. Unusually strong and long-lasting rain caused the Upper Palumeu River to flood its banks, completely inundating the camp and forcing the team to move sooner than planned.

Neusticurus bicarinatus is a semi-aquatic lizard found in small pools and streams in the area. The lizard is an excellent underwater swimmer.

Many planthopper species exude waxy secretions from the abdomen, and these sometimes form long strands, such as the strands seen in this photo. These strands may provide protection from predators: It could be that they fool the predator into attacking the wrong part of the insect, and the wax breaks off while the insect jumps to safety. The juvenile planthopper in this photo was less than a quarter-inch (5 millimeters) long, and exceedingly difficult to photograph.

This potentially new species of head-and-taillight tetra (Hemigrammus aff. ocellifer) is closely related to a fish much appreciated by aquarium enthusiasts. This is just one of 11 new fish species discovered on the expedition, including a South American darter and a three-barbeled catfish.

Find out more about Suriname's 'Tropical Eden' from Conservation International