New marine species discovered in Panama

New marine species discovered in Panama
mongabay.com
March 8, 2007

Smithsonian scientists have discovered a number of previously unknown species in an expedition off the Pacific coast of Panama. Among the organisms new to science are crustaceans, ribbon worms, soft corals, and snails.

"It's hard to imagine, while snorkeling around a tropical island that's only a three-hour flight from the United States, that half the animals you see are unknown to science," said Rachel Collin, coordinator of the trip and a researcher at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI).

This marine snail, Tylodina fungina, was collected in a dredge sample with its host sponge. This species feeds exclusively on a single species of sponge that matches its yellow color exactly. Despite being featured in field guides, very little is known about its biology. February 26, 2007, Antonio Baeza.

Jon Norenburg, a ribbon worm expert from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, said that the biodiversity in the area was "overwhelming." He noted that half the ribbon worms collected on the voyage were new to science.

The scientists hope the findings will be useful for ANAM, Panama's environmental agency, and to Juan Mate, a STRI scientist who is leading the effort to develop a management plan for Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

STRI plans to return to the Eastern Pacific soon for more research.

This article is based on a news release from STRI

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