A “vampire” hedgehog, a leafless orchid, an underwater fern and a lizard worthy of “Game of Thrones”: they are just some of the 234 new species discovered in the Greater Mekongan area of Southeast Asia that continues to amaze scientists with its incredible vital richness. But how much longer will we be able to enjoy these wonders?
The Greater Mekong region, crossed by the river of the same name, it is an ancient guardian of biodiversity. The longest river in Southeast Asia, a source of livelihood for 60 million people, and flowing for over 4,800 kilometers through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnamis a source of life for millions of people and a crucial habitat for countless animal and plant species.
A new WWF report has brought to light a hidden treasure: 3 new mammal species, 173 plants, 15 fish, 17 amphibians and 26 new reptile species. A figure that confirms the importance of this region for the conservation of global biodiversity, but at the same time raises concerns for the future of these species, many of which are already threatened. Among these wonders, the WWF reports a hedgehog with soft fur and sharp fangsand, nicknamed “vampire” by the local population. It was also discovered a mole shrewamong the smallest in the world, and a new species of bat.
The team of researchers also identified the dragon lizard (Laodracon carsticola), which lives in the karst forests of Laos, and the snake Trimeresurus ciliariswith its iridescent scales that resemble eyelashes. But geckos, water snakes and turtles have also been described, each with unique and fascinating characteristics. And it doesn’t end here: among the new species of amphibians, the WWF has documented brightly colored frogs, newts and salamanders, which populate the rainforests and wetlands of the Mekong.
The Mekong is home to a extraordinary variety of freshwater fishand the report documents 15 new species, including a colorful pink loach, already known to aquarium enthusiasts. Vascular plants account for the majority of new species discovered. In addition to “mango-scented” ginger and to theorchid without leavesnew species of begonias, orchids, ferns and palms have been identified, enriching the already incredibly diverse flora of the region.
“Each of these species is a critical piece of a healthy, functioning ecosystem and a jewel of the region’s rich natural heritage,” he said Chris HallamRegional Wildlife Manager at WWF Asia-Pacific.
Unfortunately, many of these newly discovered species are already at risk of extinction due to human activities. There deforestation, agricultural sprawl, dam and road construction, illegal wildlife trade and climate change are putting a strain on the survival of these unique animals and plants.
WWF makes an urgent appeal to the governments of China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam to strengthen conservation measures and protect the habitats of the Greater Mekong. “We need to make sure that these species are understood and protectedso that we do not lose them due to overexploitation,” he said Jedsada TaweekanRegional Program Manager WWF-Great Mekong Illegal Wildlife Trade.
The discovery of these new species is a sign of hope, but also a warning not to let our guard down. The biodiversity of the Greater Mekong is a precious treasure that we must preserve for future generations.
