Reports from a 2015 expedition to the Mekong region of Southeast Asia reveal that scientists have discovered 163 new species of amphibians, fish, reptiles, mammals and plants. Despite the constant news that beloved animals are going extinct, these scientists have renewed our hope in a world that has so much more to explore and discover.
Why the Mekong region?
The Greater Mekong area is a 200 million acre area of land and water comprised of China, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. The diverse ecosystems and natural landscapes of this not yet fully explored area make it a haven for scientists hoping to discover new species.
What was discovered?
Of the 163 new species discovered, we’d like to introduce you to eight new friends of the planet.
Phuket horned tree agamid: This lizard was found on Phuket Island in Southwest Thailand. Despite its scary appearance with jagged spikes running down its back, this lizard only dines on small insects and is not a threat to humans. The discovery of this reptile on Phuket Island was a welcome surprise to scientists who say that overactivity by humans has destroyed much of the forest ecosystem on the island.
Ziggy Stardust snake: Named for the late great David Bowie, this snake was discovered in Laos and sports a rainbow pattern on its head. The snake also has an unusual number of scale rows and upper teeth compared to other snakes. The Ziggy Stardust snake is the 111th snake species to be discovered in Laos.
Wooly-headed bat: Spotted in the central highlands of Vietnam, this scary looking creature is covered in thick wooly hair. This bat was only found in the central highlands, giving scientists cause for concern, as this area of Vietnam is highly endangered. A risk to this bat’s ecosystem may spell the end for the wooly-headed bat population.
Klingon newt: Star Trek fans will appreciate the name of this little Thai guy who sports a bright red trail down his back and extending onto his tail. This small newt, measuring two to three inches, is only the fourth newt species to be discovered in Thailand. Newts are extremely at risk of pesticide poisoning, due to their porous skin, which makes pesticide use a threat to the Klingon newt species in Thailand.
Orange eyed litter frog: This little frog, barely longer than an inch, was discovered in the forests of Cambodia and Vietnam. It is identified by its unique markings and toe webbings. The orange eyed litter frog was actually first discovered over a decade ago but the process to formally identify it as a new species involved extensive investigation. Increased logging and agricultural expansion may threaten the home of the Mekong’s little frog.
Gekko bonkowskii: The latest gecko to formally be identified as a new species in Laos is the Gekko bonkowskii, named for the scientist who first made the discovery. Like the orange eyed litter frog, it took many years and intense DNA analysis to ensure this gecko was a new species. The Gekko bonkowskii can be identified by the pale blue spots adorning its body.
The Banana Pride of Nan: This plant is one of 126 plant species that was newly discovered in the Mekong region. It is a rare banana plant found in northern Thailand that sprouts a bright red flower. Due to deforestation and the rare occurrence of this plant, the World Wildlife Federation has classified it as critically endangered.
Purple mouse-eared flower: This small purple flower with petals resembling mouse ears was discovered on Mount Victoria. Mount Victoria is the highest point in the Chin Hills of Myanmar. The first documented sighting of this flower was by a British botanist in 1956.
The race to discover them all
The discovery and identification of 163 new plant and animal species is certainly cause for celebration. But in scientific circles, those with experience in the Mekong region know that the celebration will only be short lived. As soon as these species are discovered, investigated and formally identified, they need to be protected. Nothing would be worse than watching a new species go extinct before it is even formally identified as a new species.
Unfortunately, that is the fear in the Mekong region of Southeast Asia. While the area is a hotbed for the discovery of new species, it is also under constant threat. Development in the area, including tourism, is at an all time high. Laos and Thailand are constructing dams while Myanmar and Thailand are working to build a road that would cut through the Dawna Tenasserim Landscape. This area is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest forest ecosystems and home to many species who would face extinction if a road were built. Once again, the battle between human growth and development and natural ecosystems and wildlife habitats has reached a crucial point. These new species are relying on us to protect and save them from losing their homes in the Mekong.