Story perspectives

Angola Survey Finds 163 Insects, New Species; Protects 5.4 M ha

6/4/2026

Summary

Angola Survey Discovers

A February 2026 survey on Angola’s Lisima plateau documented new species, including eight dragonflies, three grasshoppers, about 60 moths or butterflies and 34 previously unrecorded dragonfly species, raising the regional total to 163.
The 16-person team faced delays, vehicle failures and malaria while noting a UV-glowing crowned crab spider and a ladybird-mimic orb-web spider.
The Wilderness Project secured protection for 5.4 million hectares in 2025 and supported 2024 Ramsar wetland designation.

Summary

Taylor Warns

Rob Taylor warned that the Lisima plateau’s ecosystems face pressure from tree-felling, deforestation, artisanal diamond mining and slash-and-burn agriculture.
The article notes that about one million plant and animal species are on the brink of extinction, while only 1.5 million of the 8.7 million species have been identified.
Taylor described newly discovered armored crickets as “very cool … very fierce-looking” and said they can squirt defensive fluid at predators.

1 of 2

Angola Survey Discovers

A February 2026 survey on Angola’s Lisima plateau documented new species, including eight dragonflies, three grasshoppers, about 60 moths or butterflies and 34 previously unrecorded dragonfly species, raising the regional total to 163.
The 16-person team faced delays, vehicle failures and malaria while noting a UV-glowing crowned crab spider and a ladybird-mimic orb-web spider.
The Wilderness Project secured protection for 5.4 million hectares in 2025 and supported 2024 Ramsar wetland designation.

1 / 2