Scientists have recently unveiled new species in the Greater Mekong region. More than 150 species were discovered and confirmed by researchers last years. All these new species were revealed in the Mekong region. Among these creatures, there was a lizard with dragon-like horns, a small frog, and a rainbow-headed snake. The Mekong River winds its course through the jungles and mountains of Southeast Asia, crossing the Tibetan plateau.
- Every year, scientists discover new species in the Greater Mekong region.
- Back in 2015, they revealed about 163 new species.
- Among the new creatures unveiled, there was a lizard with dragon-like horns.
The river supports one of the most diverse locations on Earth. Every year, scientists discover new species here, after several identification tests. Thus, they underline that this region holds many things humans need to reveal and to study to be aware of the wonders of nature. Many specialists are concerned about the fact several species here may die before researchers even reach to explore them due to the fact this part of the world is continuously changing.
Jimmy Borah, from WWF’s Greater Mekong team, asserted that this unique region represents the most attractive area for many conservation scientists of the world because of the tremendous diversity of species that are unveiled here every year. Unfortunately, these experts are working against time to study them and make sure that these new creatures are protected.
The Greater Mekong region includes Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and southwestern China. The habitats and ecosystems developed in this location are pressured and threatened by road buildings and illegal wildlife trade. These businesses are mainly concentrated around the area known as the Golden Triangle where Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet.
Borah claimed that several collectors want to pay massive amounts of many to have one of the rarest and most endangered creatures ever. In 2015, scientists calculated to discover approximately 163 species which include 126 plants, 14, reptiles, 11 fish, three mammals, and nine amphibians. Among all these animals the most appealing one seems to be parafimbrios lao. This is a snake discovered in the karsts of northern Laos. The skin of this creature reflects the colors of the rainbow around its head.
Another amazing animal was revealed on the island of Phuket. There was found a new species of lizard named acanthosaura phuketensis. It has some dragon-like horns down its back and its head. In Vietnam and Cambodia, a new species of frog was discovered. The frog is so small that it could fit on the tip of a finger.
Image source: wikipedia
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