New bird found in Gabon: 19-08-2008
DNA studies have proved that a new species of bird, which was photographed seven years ago, has been found in Gabon.
The fiery throated bird was found in the jungle and is a member of a new African forest robin species with a distinctive olive coloured marking on its backside.
According to reports from National Geographic, four other species with the same throat covering have been found in the forest.
The bird was discovered by scientists undertaking a biodiversity assessment in south-eastern Gabon.
Alfonso Alonso, director of the Smithsonian biodiversity programme, told National Geographic that the study aims to help the government of Gabon increase its biodiversity knowledge.
Shell Gabon is taking part in the study and Mr Alonso said he hoped the investigation would go some way to minimising the impact on the environment of any potential oil exploration.
Brian Schmidt, a research ornithologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, said that scientists found the new bird by comparing it with specimens they had already found.
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