He was searching for the woolly flying squirrel, a dog-sized squirrel last seen in 1924. In 1994 American biologist Peter Zahler took his second trip to the isolated valleys of the Diamer region in northern Pakistan. An area that is very isolated or difficult to access will naturally have species that cannot be found anywhere else. Of course, this requirement refers back to requirement number two, isolation.
A fourth key thing scientists should look for, according to MacKinnon, is an area with a variety of unusual species that are specific to that area. Stability of climate ensures that the animals that live in the region have had no reason to leave for warmer or wetter environments.Īlthough most of the recent discoveries and rediscoveries of animal species have taken place in tropical, humid regions, some have occurred in rarely explored mountain habitats. A stable climate is a third thing to look for. Often, cultivation eliminates the trees or shrubs that house and protect animal life. Cultivated areas are inhospitable to many animals.
Second, scientists are most likely to find undiscovered or rediscovered species in remote, isolated areas. Areas with regular earthquakes or volcanic eruptions are less likely to contain species that go back thousands of years because, obviously, the frequent upheavals are not conducive to steady growth or a comfortable way of life.
First, scientists should look in areas that are geologically stable. According to Professor John MacKinnon, certain places are more likely than others to house new or rediscovered species.
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