Psychedelic Gecko, Carnivorous Pitcher Plants Among Newly Discovered Creatures in Greater Mekong
Posted on December 13, 2011
The WWF has released a report about 200 new species discovered in the Greater Mekong region in 2010. The newly discovered creatures include a new monkey, a self-cloning skink, a psychedelic gecko, five carnivorous plants, and a unique leaf warbler. The creatures were all discovered within the Greater Mekong region of Southeast Asia that spans Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the south-western Chinese province of Yunnan.
The all-female lizard (Leiolepis ngovantrii) was discovered in Vietnam. It reproduces via cloning without the need for male lizards. Five species of carnivorous pitcher plants were discovered across Thailand and Cambodia. Some of the species are capable of luring in and consuming small rats, mice, lizards and birds.
The WWF warns that the Greater Mekong's valuable natural assets and species will continue to disappear without accelerated efforts to green the region's economies.
Rebecca Ng of WWF's Greater Mekong Program, says, "This report is an affirmation of what we know - that the Greater Mekong offers unparalleled diversity in nature - and what must be done. The rich natural treasures of the region could be lost if regional governments don't recognize that protecting biodiversity is an investment to ensure long-term sustainability, especially in the face of global environmental change."
Here is a video with photographs of the Greater Mekong animals: