An Australian deal to launch Russian satellites from Christmas Island in the
Indian Ocean is threatening unique underground species. Biologists say the
launch site is right over an unexplored cave system. Twelve new underground
species have already turned up in other caves on the island. They include blind
cockroaches, a blind scorpion, primitive shrimp, spiders and silverfish. “We are
finding an extraordinary range of new creatures. Undoubtedly, further
exploration will find more,” says Bill Humphries, an expert on subterranean
fauna from the Western Australian University in Perth.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features

Environment
Europe’s heatwave is the hottest and most humid ever
News

Life
Fossil fruits show flowering plants flourished in time of dinosaurs
News

Environment
Can home batteries help save the climate and save you money?
News

ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
We’ve uncovered a master gene that switches on human development
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
If you aren't terrified by this heatwave, you should be
2
Woman with Alzheimer's starts conversing again after taking psilocybin
3
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
4
The race to understand how and when Thwaites glacier will collapse
5
Faecal transplant makes the brains of old mice act young again
6
Lost books by ancient philosophers recovered from 'unreadable' scrolls
7
We’ve uncovered a master gene that switches on human development
8
How menopause radically changes the brain – and what happens after
9
Parenting may permanently improve brain health for mums and dads
10
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science