163 new spectacular species discovered in Mekong: endangered (PHOTO)

They seem out of the world of fantasy but they are real. These are the new animal and plant species discovered in Southeast Asia, precisely in the Greater Mekong. A rainbow-headed snake, a lizard that looks like a dragon and a newt that resembles a Klingon from Star Trek. These are just three of the 163 new species discovered in 2015



They seem to come out of the world of fantasy but they are real. It's new animal species e vegetable discovered in Southeast Asia, precisely in Greater Mekong. A rainbow-headed snake, a dragon-like lizard, and a newt that resembles a Klingon Star Trek These are just three of the 163 new species discovered in 2015.



The region of the Greater Mekong, boasts a great heritage of riches biological e biodiversity with its natural landscapes and rare wildlife. The six countries that make it up (China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam) are home to some of the most varied habitats in the world.

Scientists who study these incredible ecosystems are amazed every year, admiring the spectacle that unfolds before their eyes. 1997 new species were discovered between 2015 and 2.409. In 2015, 163 new species were identified including 9 amphibians, 11 fish, 14 reptiles, 126 plants and 3 mammals.

But it's not all plain sailing. The wildlife in this part of the world is critically endangered as are the natural landscapes that make it so unique. One of the most serious threats is the Don Sahong Dam in Laos, a project that could have disastrous effects on the last dolphins of the Mekong, or the Mae Wong Dam in western Thailand.

READ also: 126 NEW EXTRAORDINARY SPECIES JUST DISCOVERED IN MEKONG: ALREADY IN RISK OF EXTINCTION

But poaching for meat and the illegal wildlife trade also aggravates the situation. Second According to WWF's Living Planet Report by 2020, global populations of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles could have fallen by two-thirds in just 50 years.

Also for this reason it is useful to know these animals and to recognize the importance of global biodiversity, trying to protect ecosystems in which these endangered species live.

Let's discover some of these new creatures:

Index


Serpente “Ziggy Stardust” – Parafimbrios lao, Laos

This reptile resembles the iconic image of David Bowie. Scientists found it on a moss-covered rock. “He didn't look like something known,” says scientist Teynié. And that was it.


163 new spectacular species discovered in Mekong: endangered (PHOTO)

Phuket Horned Tree Agamid - Acanthosaura phuketensis, Thailand

This special lizard has been found in the mountain range in southwestern Phuket in Thailand. It is a medium-sized species with numerous horns. Despite the appearance that resembles that of a mini-dragon, it is completely harmless.

163 new spectacular species discovered in Mekong: endangered (PHOTO)

Wool-headed bat - Murina kontumensis, Vietnam

This medium-sized bat was found in the central highlands of Vietnam. It will certainly not win the beauty contests but it is a very important piece for the biodiversity of the area.

163 new spectacular species discovered in Mekong: endangered (PHOTO)

“Klingon” Triton – anguliceps Tylototriton, Thailand

Between 6 and 7 cm long, it has a red dorsal crest and is the fourth species of newt in Thailand. With its striking red and black spots in contrast with the green of the surrounding landscape, this newt is particularly sensitive to pesticides given the porosity of its skin.

163 new spectacular species discovered in Mekong: endangered (PHOTO)

Banana di Nan - Musa nanensis, Thailand

This rare species of banana was found in the Nan province of northern Thailand. With a fluorescent red flower and other small ones around the main one, she is different from all other family members.


163 new spectacular species discovered in Mekong: endangered (PHOTO)

Orange-eyed frog - Leptolalax isos, Cambodia and Vietnam

Less than 3 cm long, this little creature lives in the forests of Cambodia and Vietnam at 650-1100 m altitude in small streams.


163 new spectacular species discovered in Mekong: endangered (PHOTO)

Blue gecko - Laos

Characterized by pale blue skin and piercing dark eyes, this gecko has been observed among the remote karst massifs of Laos. Due to the large variety of geckos, sophisticated DNA analysis was required before claiming it was a new species

163 new spectacular species discovered in Mekong: endangered (PHOTO)

Fiore-topo – Kingdon-wardii impatience, Myanmar

This particular purple flower has petals that resemble mouse ears in shape. It was found atop Mount Victoria in Myanmar. It is another unique jewel of the many endemic species of the Impatiens genus of Myanmar.

163 new spectacular species discovered in Mekong: endangered (PHOTO)

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Alexandre Teynié, one of the discoverers of the new species explained: “It is a small springboard for the living heritage of humanity, for understanding the history of populations, the evolution of life. If we are able to protect these vital landscapes and the biodiversity they have, then we will be able to ensure that future generations are able to make new discoveries and add them to our understanding of the world around us ”.

Francesca Mancuso

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