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Bangkok, Jan 27 (AFP\/APP): Scientists discovered more than 200 new species across the greater Mekong region in 2020, according to a WWF report, despite the threats posed by climate change and human activities such as logging.<\/p>\n
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The finds include a new primate, a colourless cavefish and an iridescent snake with an unusual non-overlapping pattern of scales.<\/p>\n
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In all, 224 new species of plants and vertebrate animals were found in the region — which includes Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam — WWF said in its “New Species Discoveries” report.<\/p>\n
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Images of the Popa langur monkey, which takes its name from the extinct volcano Mount Popa in central Myanmar, were caught by camera traps.<\/p>\n
The mountain is still home to the largest population of the reclusive simian, around 100 individuals, WWF said.<\/p>\n
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Only around 200 to 250 of the monkeys — which are threatened by hunting, logging and loss of habitat — are thought to survive in total.<\/p>\n
In Vietnam, researchers found the vivid-coloured Mount Ky Quan San horned frog at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres (6,500 feet) on the peak which gives it its name.<\/p>\n
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The greater Mekong region, with landscapes ranging from jungles to mountains and karst formations, is a hugely important biodiversity hotspot.<\/p>\n
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It is home to some of the world’s most impressive — and most endangered — species including the tiger, the Asian elephant and the Mekong giant catfish.<\/p>\n
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WWF have said the rate of discovery of new species — more than 3,000 since 1997 — shows the importance of preserving the region’s fragile ecosystems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Bangkok, Jan 27 (AFP\/APP): Scientists discovered more than 200 new species across the greater Mekong region in 2020, according to a WWF report, despite the threats posed by climate change and human activities such as logging. The finds include a new primate, a […]<\/p>\n
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