Top 10 New Species of 2014 Include Carnivorous Teddy Bear, 'Fairy' Wasps

Meet the top 10 species of 2014, an eclectic set of living organisms.

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry's (ESF) International Institute for Species Exploration (IISE) composed the list, though several of the species are, unfortunately going extinct, despite the relatively little information known about them.

"The majority of people are unaware of the dimensions of the biodiversity crisis," said Dr. Quentin Wheeler, founding director of the IISE and ESF president, via a press release. 

The international committee of taxonomists went through 18,000 new species discovered just last year to come up with the list.

"The top 10 is designed to bring attention to the unsung heroes addressing the biodiversity crisis by working to complete an inventory of earth's plants, animals and microbes. Each year a small, dedicated community of taxonomists and curators substantivelyimprove our understanding of the diversity of life and the wondrous ways in which species have adapted for survival," Wheeler said, via the release. 

Among some of these amazing creatures, the cuddly olinguito (Bassaricyon neblina) tops the list as a carnivorous-looking teddy bear that's been spotted in the trees of the Andean cloud forests. Though it has been seen in zoos, it wasn't until a more thorough examination revealed the new species. It is also the first carnivore to be discovered in the Northern Hemisphere in the past 35 years.

A 40-feet tall tree, otherwise known as the Kaweesak's Dragon Tree, took the second spot on the list.

Other spectacular sites, including ice-clinging anemones, dubbed Edwardsiella andrillae, and a fairy-like wasp with feathery wings, known as Tinkerbella nana, are sure to excite. 

To check out a complete list, click here.