California Establishes New State Symbols

Wildlife photographer Pete Stewart captured an incredible silhouette of a kingfisher in Rutland, England, after four days of careful observation, utilizing a Nikon Z9 camera and a 400mm lens to achieve perfect timing and lighting. Meanwhile, researchers have discovered three new species of wood-associated sea stars in the Pacific off the coasts of Costa Rica and Mexico, revealing the biodiversity that exists in deep-sea wood habitats. Off the coast of Pakistan, scientists identified two new species of cobia fish, Rachycentron blochii and Rachycentron makranesis, following a study of unusual specimens caught by local anglers. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has officially designated the banana slug as the state slug, the black abalone as the state seashell, and the Dungeness crab as the state crustacean, celebrating regional pride and ecology. Additionally, the barreleye fish, known for its transparent head and unique adaptations to deep-sea life, continues to captivate marine biologists exploring the twilight zone of the ocean. These stories highlight the rich diversity of wildlife and the ongoing efforts to study and protect these unique species.