Scientists have discovered more than 200 new species in the Greater Mekong region in 2020. This is the very positive assessment, despite global warming and logging in the area, of a report from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Among these discoveries are a new primate, a colorless cave fish and an iridescent snake whose scales do not overlap, details the report “New Species Discoveries”.
A total of 224 new species of plants and animals have been identified in the region which includes Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
🌺🐸🐒224 new species discovered in the Greater Mekong region.
These extraordinary and magnificent species are the products of millions of years of evolution, but they are also extremely endangered.
👇 Discover them in this article: https://t.co/VHezxVxmG5 pic.twitter.com/56ReDXuIEY
– WWF-Belgium (@WWF_Belgium) January 28, 2022
A hotspot for global biodiversity
Images of Popa's Langur monkey, which takes its name from the extinct volcano of Mount Popa (Burma), have been taken.
This primate is however threatened by hunting, logging and habitat loss.
Estimates suggest that only 200-250 individuals remain in total.
In Vietnam, researchers have discovered the horned frog of Mount Ky Quan San at more than 2,000 meters above sea level.
The Greater Mekong region is a high place of biodiversity thanks to its varied landscapes: jungle, mountain, karstic formations.
It harbors particularly impressive – and endangered – species such as the tiger, the Asian elephant and the giant Mekong catfish.
According to the WWF, the rate of discovery of new species in this area proves the importance of preserving its fragile ecosystems.
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