In 2021-2022, 380 previously unknown species were recorded within the Greater Mekong region of Southeast Asia, an exciting discovery revealed in the newest report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). These recent discoveries include a various range of creatures, including an astonishing 24 amphibians, 19 fish, one mammal, 290 plants and 46 reptiles. The report also highlighted the existence of a species of lizard capable of fixing its body color, a recently discovered venomous snake, and an orchid resembling a personality from “The Muppet.”
The report reveals the collaboration of a whole bunch of scientists from universities, conservation organizations and research institutes around the globe. They made discoveries within the regions of Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Thailand and Vietnam. As a result, the entire variety of species of vascular plants, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals recorded within the Greater Mekong region since 1997 involves an incredible 3,389.
A surprising discovery
Cambodian blue-crested agama discovered within the Mekong region
(© Henrik Bringsoe / WWF UK)
Scientists working with WWF-Greater Mekong have revealed the presence of “rare and iconic” creatures within the region, including the Cambodian blue-crested agama, an aggressive lizard found near Angkor-era archaeological sites. This lizard has the power to alter its body color, which is a novel type of defense.
(©Thai National Parks / Creative Commons)
An interesting find was made within the Tenasserim Mountains in Thailand, on the border with Burma. The find was a gecko with fingers bent downwards. This species was named Cyrtodactylus rukhadeva and is a style of arboreal animal that spends most of its life in trees. Its scientific name is inspired by Rukha Deva, a tree nymph from Thai mythology who’s believed to guard forests.
In the report, scientists also revealed the invention of an interesting frog found on the Thai-Malayan Peninsula. Pictured above is a toad with the scientific name Ansonia infernalis, also generally known as the hellstream toad resulting from its distinctive red-orange coloration on its limbs and sides that resembles the flames of hell. This discovery provides a shocking picture of the distinctiveness and fantastic thing about nature, inspiring researchers.
The WWF report also mentions the exciting, unexpected discovery of Dendrobium fuscifaucium, a style of orchid. It is a style of miniature orchid with striking pink and lightweight yellow colours, giving it an appearance just like fun and cute characters akin to “The Muppets.”
This fascinating story began when a nursery owner purchased an orchid from an area seller within the limestone hills of Vientiane Province in Laos. When the plant finally bloomed, the vendor sent photos of the orchid to Pankaj Kumar, an authority on Asian orchids and a visiting professor at Texas Tech University. Recognizing the opportunity of a brand new species, Kumar worked with other orchid experts in Laos to find out the orchid’s origins. However, up to now, scientists haven’t been capable of find this orchid flowering naturally within the wild.
(© Keooudone Souvannakhoummane/WWF UK)
On this occasion, Kumar told WWF that the orchid discovered will not be the primary orchid identified through trade in Laos. Over the last decade, several species have been identified in consequence of trade on this country. These outdoor orchids are exceptionally beautiful resulting from their miniature size and enormous flowers, giving them a really high potential ornamental value.
However, it will be significant to do not forget that although just about all legally traded orchids are artificially bred, trade and overexploitation of untamed populations remain a serious threat to many species. WWF highlights this in its report, reminding us of the importance of protecting biodiversity and being wary of doubtless harmful trade practices.
Threatened with extinction
In its report, WWF expressed excitement concerning the discovery of latest species within the Greater Mekong region. However, in addition they expressed serious concerns concerning the safety of those species and called on local governments to enact environmental protection laws to guard them from the specter of human-induced extinction.
In the report, WWF states that these recent species face intense pressure from deforestation, habitat degradation, infrastructure development, lack of river flows, pollution, human-made diseases, competition from invasive species and the devastating illegal wildlife trade. They regret that many species became extinct before they were discovered. Meanwhile, K. Yoganand, WWF’s Greater Mekong regional wildlife leader, said we’ve a responsibility to stop their extinction, protect their habitats and help them get well.
Mark Wright, WWF-UK’s Chief Science Officer, also mentioned that the newest report is a sobering reminder of the acute threats facing many species and habitats. He stressed the necessity for urgent motion and powerful commitments in response to the risks we are going to face if we don’t take the essential steps.
