Australia has enriched its wildlife by recognising about 750 new species to be added to the official list of species in the country.

The new additions to the Australian National Species List 2023 include a laughing frog, Litoria ridibunda, which laughs instead of croaking; an orb spider named Venom, inspired by Tom Hardy's Marvel character; and an intertidal marine species named after the legendary Sir David Attenborough.

The National Species List formally describes and recognises Australia's native plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms.

Know About the Fascinating Laughing Frog

The Laughing Frog has taken the spotlight with its unique characteristics. Also known as Litoria ridibunda, this tree frog produces a sound that resembles a laugh rather than a croak, setting it apart from other frogs.

Its distinctive features have intrigued researchers.

Australia is renowned for its diverse and unique flora and fauna and is home to many fascinating organisms. The National Species List serves as a taxonomic database that formally describes the native plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms of the country.

In a statement to a leading media outlet, Tanya Plibersek, Australia’s Minister for the Environment and Water, remarked, “Many people might be shocked to hear that 70% of our native species remain unnamed and hidden to science.”

“Australia is a global biodiversity hotspot with more than 150,000 native species, yet taxonomists are naming about two species new to science each day" she added.

What is Taxonomy?

Taxonomy is a practice and science concerned with classification or categorization. It involves describing, naming and recording life on Earth.