Orchestra 
DIGITAL WORLD
BRICS+ Media Centre 
MODERN RUSSIAN 
15.07.2617:00 
15.07.2616:30 
Indonesia expands biodiversity record with three new plant discoveries
Scientists identify three endemic species, highlighting the role of research collaboration and digital tools in botanical discovery
Indonesia has recorded the discovery of three new plant species from the Homalomena genus, endemic to the island of Sumatra, strengthening scientific understanding of tropical biodiversity in Southeast Asia, as reported by ANTARA, citing the National Research and Innovation Agency.
The study was led by Muhammad Rifqi Hariri of the agency’s Centre for Biosystematics and Evolution, together with Arifin Surya Dwipa Irsyam. The species have been named Homalomena pachyderma, Homalomena pulopadangensis, and Homalomena uncinata, each exhibiting distinct morphological characteristics.
Researchers noted that the initial identification process was supported by observations of ornamental plants shared through digital platforms, where collectors highlighted unusual features. This approach enabled scientists to detect previously undocumented species and conduct further analysis.
According to the research team, the newly identified plants originate from North Sumatra and are likely to have a limited geographical distribution. The findings reinforce the region’s status as a significant centre of biodiversity and contribute to ongoing efforts to document and preserve unique plant species.
Other BRICS countries and partners of the group have also been discovering new species of animals and plants, which contributes to the expansion of scientific knowledge and the preservation of global biodiversity.
Chilean scientists have discovered a new plant species, Grausa lutea, a small yellow flower found in the Andes mountains at an altitude of over 3,000 metres. The discovery was made possible by analysing old herbarium collections, with samples collected in the 1960s. This led to a new expedition, which found living specimens of the flower more than fifty years later. Due to its limited distribution, the plant has been classified as endangered. The discovery highlights the importance of botanical collections in monitoring biodiversity over time, as reported by El Maipo, a partner of TV BRICS.
In Chongzuo Nature Reserve, in south-west China, a new species of freshwater shrimp of the genus Macrobrachium has been identified, marking a significant advance in research into the region’s biodiversity, according to CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS. In addition, researchers confirmed the presence of two previously unrecorded fish species in the park: Cophecheilus bamen and Paranemachilus chongzuo.
In the Cerrado, in the north-west of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, a new species of amphibian has been discovered: a tree frog named Ololygon paracatu. It inhabits gallery forests associated with fast-flowing streams and rocky riverbeds. The discovery was confirmed through morphological, genetic and bioacoustic analyses. Due to its limited distribution, the animal is at risk of extinction. Researchers warn that the conservation of these streams is essential for the amphibian’s survival and for the region’s water balance, according to a statement published on the Brazilian government’s website.
According to the website of the research centre of Argentina’s National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), in the Mar del Plata submarine canyon, at depths of between 1,100 and 1,900 metres, Argentine scientists have discovered a new genus and a previously unknown species of sea urchin, named Bathycidaris argentina. This small, dark purple animal measures just 2 cm in width and 1 cm in height (not including the spines). The Mar del Plata Canyon is considered an area of high biodiversity: since 2012, dozens of new species of cold-water corals, crustaceans, snails and starfish have been discovered.
24.07.2619:00 
22.07.2614:00 
25 minutes 32 sec.