More than 1,000 new species found in Greater Mekong
By Vientiane Times
(Latest Update December 20 , 2008)
The world's largest huntsman spider, found in Laos , was among more than 1,000 new species discovered in the Greater Mekong region in the past decade, according to a report launched by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) this week.
First Contact in the Greater Mekong reports that 1,068 species were identified by scientists between 1997 and 2007, including the hot pink coloured cyanide-producing dragon millipede.
While most species were discovered in the largely unexplored jungles and wetlands, some were first found in the surprising places. The Lao rock rat, for example, thought to be extinct 11 million years ago, was first encountered by scientists in a local food market, while the Siamese Peninsula pit viper was found slithering through the rafters of a restaurant in Khao Yai National Park in Thailand.
Country Director of WWF Laos, Mr Roland Eve, said the region had an incredibly rich biodiversity that was still intriguing scientists.
Now this region has a unique opportunity to harness today's state-of-the-art technology to develop industry and infrastructure, and a way of life that is in harmony with nature, he said.
The findings highlighted in this report include 519 plants, 279 fish, 88 frogs, 88 spiders, 46 lizards, 22 snakes, 15 mammals, four birds, four turtles, two salamanders and a toad.
The region comprises the six countries through which the Mekong River flows including Cambodia , Laos , Myanmar , Thailand , Vietnam and the southern Chinese province of Yunnan . It is estimated thousands of new invertebrate species were also discovered during this period, further highlighting the region's biodiversity.
Who knows what else is out there waiting to be discovered, but what is clear is that there is plenty more where this came from, said Mr Eve.
The scientific world is only just discovering what people here have known for centuries, and are now realising its global importance.
The report stresses economic development and environmental protection must go hand-in-hand to provide for livelihoods and alleviate poverty, and ensure the survival of the Greater Mekong's astonishing array of species and natural habitats.
The report recommends a formal, cross-border agreement by the governments of the Greater Mekong is urgently needed to protect the region's biodiversity. |
