Behold: 1,200 new species discovered in the Amazon

From bald parrots to translucent frogs—the Amazon is getting even more exotic. The World Wildlife Federation recently released a report revealing that a new species was discovered every three days from 1999-2009.


Joining the jungle are 637 plants, 257 fish, 216 amphibians, 55 reptiles, 16 birds and 39 mammals. One of the most visually bizarre is the so called “Glass Frog,” with skin so thin and delicate that you can see its heart beat. The phrase “blind as a bat,” is so last century; a new species of blind ants have been discovered dating back 120 million years. And taking flower power to a whole new level (literally), tiny predatory flowers were discovered that lure insects to their death with a murderous fragrance. Spider haters beware; the WWF report also introduces a new species of brightly colored tarantulas that can propel excrement at enemies up to one meter away.