Hundreds of new species found at Great Barrier Reef

Scientists investigating the effects of climate change on the corals of the Great Barrier Reef have discovered hundreds of new marine species, in news which may be of interest to wildlife-lovers going on holidays to Australia.

Scientists investigating the effects of climate change on the corals of the Great Barrier Reef have discovered hundreds of new marine species, in news which may be of interest to wildlife-lovers going on holidays to Australia.

The researchers report that 130 new kinds of coral have been recorded, as well as dozens of other creatures, including an insect-like animal with a back leg that is three times the length of its body.

In addition, they also found a Cassiopeia jellyfish never seen by biologists before.

Dr Julian Caley, co-leader of the project, said: “We were surprised and excited to find such a large variety of marine life which had never been described.

“Inventorying the vast diversity and abundance of life across all ocean realms challenges both science and the imagination.”

Anyone interested in going on holidays to Australia in order to spot wildlife could also consider visiting Fraser Island’s Kangaroo Bay, which was recently described by the Sydney Morning Herald’s David Potts as one of nature’s great wonders and ideal for people looking for eco-holidays.