With scales like ash gray and an astonishing rainbow touch head , this Modern species of ophidian find out among the drop-off of northern Laos has been likened somewhat to David Bowie ’s alter ego Ziggy Stardust . The beautiful ophidian is actuallyjust one of 163 new speciesdiscovered in the region announced by the latest WWF report , Species Oddity . And they just keep turning up new specie .
The organizationhas been compile reportson new species found in the area since 1997 , with this latest addition bestow the total routine of new plants , birds , mammalian , reptile , Pisces and amphibian attain in the Greater Mekong to an impressive 2,409 over that catamenia .
This twelvemonth ’s reputation , which documents those metal money unearthed in 2015 , includes among its numbers a triton that look like a Klingon fromStar Trekand a spiky - haired dragon - like lizard . The newt , given the official nameTylototriton anguliceps , is actually only the quaternary specie from this mathematical group of amphibian to have been found in Thailand , making it an fabulously rare discovery .
The Klingon newt from Thailand . Porrawee Pomchote / WWF
It ’s not only reptilian and amphibians that are new to science . research worker have also discovered a novel eccentric of chiropteran , Murina kontumensis , in Vietnam , whose head and forearm are covered in thick wooly pelt .
There has also been quite a few outstanding species of plants recover in the region famed for its lush , abundant rainforests . One of the highlights is “ the Banana Pride of Nan ” , a rare banana tree species discovered in a small area of Thailand that has promising red flowers with petite yellow structures , score it unique among the banana household .
The Banana Pride of Nan . Wande Inta / WWF
While the new metal money being get wind are to be fete , there is also caution to be taken . For example , the Banana Pride of Nan – scientifically known asmusa nanensis – has only been base in two minuscule populations in a realm hard threatened by deforestation and despite being such a Modern species to skill , is already believe critically endangered .
This , regrettably , is indicative of many of the new plants and animals that are being discovered .
The report is the try of hundreds of scientist run right across the area , from the mountains of Myanmar to the lowlands of Vietnam , who clump every yr to the Mekong to canvas the incredible array of wildlife in the river basin .
The Chin Hills of Myanmar , where further new species may be awaiting uncovering . Nobuyuki Tanaka / WWF
“ These scientists , the unappreciated paladin of conservation , know they are racing against time to ensure that these newly name species are protected , ” enjoin Jimmy Borah , the Wildlife Programme Manager for theWWF - Greater Mekongregion .
With over 300 million people in the part who count on the Greater Mekong , the environment is come under increase pressure , as rivers are dammed , forests are felled , and wildlife entrap and sold for the meat and pet trade . The challenge is undeniably huge , but with a better sympathy of these places , and an increase effort toclose down illegal body process , it is skip many specie will be saved .
The spiky - frilled Phuket Horned Tree Agamid , chance upon on the holidaymaker island . Montri Sumontha / WWF
