Incredible New Species Discovered in Greater Mekong Region
WWF urges urgent action to protect biodiversity under threat.
A stunning 234 new species, including a "Game of Thrones" lizard, a "vampire" hedgehog, and a mango-scented ginger, have been documented in the Greater Mekong region, according to a WWF report. The discoveries span Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, highlighting the region's extraordinary biodiversity.
However, WWF warns that habitat loss, climate change, and unsustainable wildlife trade are pushing many of these species toward extinction. The report underscores the importance of protecting these newly described animals and plants, which include 173 vascular plants, 26 reptiles, 17 amphibians, 15 fish, and three mammals.
Key highlights include a pit viper with striking "eyelash-like" scales and a shrew mole weighing just 8 grams, making it one of the world's lightest mammals. WWF calls on governments to enhance conservation and enforce wildlife protections to safeguard these unique species for future generations.
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However, WWF warns that habitat loss, climate change, and unsustainable wildlife trade are pushing many of these species toward extinction. The report underscores the importance of protecting these newly described animals and plants, which include 173 vascular plants, 26 reptiles, 17 amphibians, 15 fish, and three mammals.
Key highlights include a pit viper with striking "eyelash-like" scales and a shrew mole weighing just 8 grams, making it one of the world's lightest mammals. WWF calls on governments to enhance conservation and enforce wildlife protections to safeguard these unique species for future generations.
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