Scientists have discovered many new species on a remote plateau in Angola called Lisima Plateau. This area was difficult to explore for many years because of a civil war and dangerous unexploded bombs. However, this isolation helped protect many plants and animals.
In February 2026, a team of sixteen scientists from around the world visited the plateau. They were organized by The Wilderness Project to study the life in Moxico Province. They worked with The HALO Trust to safely clear paths through dangerous areas. A local group called Fundação Lisima also provided support.
The scientists found amazing creatures. Some spiders glowed blue under ultraviolet light, including a new type of crowned crab spider. They also found a spider that looked like a ladybird beetle. There were large fruit beetles, as big as a hand, and a type of cricket that can spray liquid to defend itself. The team identified eight new dragonfly species and three new grasshopper species. They also found a new caterpillar and its butterfly. It is possible that about sixty moth species are new to science.
Dr. Piotr Naskrecki was surprised by the number of new insects, saying many are probably unique to this area. The team also found forty-seven types of amphibians and reptiles, including several types of snakes. Botanists collected over 320 plant samples.
The Lisima Plateau is important for water in Africa, supplying water to four major river basins. Dr. Klaas-Douwe B. Dijkstra noted that the water is very clean, which helps special dragonfly and damselfly species live there. The team found thirty-four new species for the region and six new species for Angola.
However, the plateau is now threatened by diamond mining, logging, and farming. Erosion is also damaging the area. Scientists believe it is important to protect this biodiversity to support people and nature far away.