German biologists identify 43 new species on Madagascar

Sep 10, 2007, 5:41 GMT

Bonn, Germany - German biologists have reported identifying 43 new species of insects and millipedes on the island of Madagascar.

Eleven new 'giant pill millipedes' - those capable of rolling themselves up into a ball - were the highlight of the find, according to the Koenig Museum in Bonn, which backed the expedition.

Some of them were as large as an orange when rolled up - a world record - and were already on earth during the dinosaur era.

By eating dead leaves and wood, the millipedes make an essential contribution to generating humus in the soil that promotes plant growth.

Some of the new millipede species had very small distribution areas.

Among other species found were stick insects, praying mantises and dragon flies.

The museum said almost all of the island's forests were under serious threat and that in some cases unique biotopes were in danger of being permanently lost.

It warned that species would die out even before being found by researchers.

Parts of the island remain unresearched, despite strong interest in the scientific community.