WWF: Over 200 new species discovered in Mekong River region

SGSP
Dec 13, 2011

A new monkey, a self-cloning skink, five carnivorous plants, and a unique leaf warbler are among the 208 species newly described by science in the Greater Mekong region that includes Vietnam in 2010 and highlighted in a new WWF report.

Global conservation group WWF announced the report Monday, saying the newly described species include a “psychedelic gecko” in southern Vietnam.

The psychedelic gecko newly spotted by WWF in Vietnam (Photo: WWF)

A total of 145 plants, 28 reptiles, 25 fish, 7 amphibians, 2 mammals, and 1 bird were all discovered within the Greater Mekong region of Southeast Asia that spans Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan, according to WWF.

“This report is an affirmation of what we know – that the Greater Mekong offers unparalleled diversity in nature – and what must be done,” Rebecca Ng of WWF’s Greater Mekong Program said in a message the US-based organization published Dec. 12.

The region is home to some of the world’s most endangered species, including tigers, Asian elephants, Mekong dolphins and Mekong giant catfish, the group said.

WWF report