1,000 New Species in Greater Mekong

Normally when we read about rare wildlife species these days, it's in reference to another species that's become endangered or extinct, but the latest discovery in the Greater Mekong Region, indicates the opposite.  According to a new report by the World Wildlife Fund, more than a thousand new species have been discovered, including some species that were thought to have been extinct 11 million years ago.   

The WWF report indicates that 1,068 new species have been found in the region along the Mekong River, encompassing parts of Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam, and China's Yunnan Province.  You can see some of the highlights in this slide show.  Plants comprised about half of the new species, but scientists also found many new species of fish, mammals, reptiles, and spiders. 

While these findings are a strong indication of the region's biodiversity, however, the area still faces extreme environmental and economic threats.  Since the Greater Mekong region expands through so many countries, agreeing on protective legislation remains easier said than done.  Furthermore, knowledge of the rich biodiversity makes the area more appealing to poachers. 

On the other hand, simple awareness of these new species could be a beneficial step towards promoting their protection.  WWF continues to work with the Asian Development Bank and governments within the Greater Mekong area in order to preserve its 232,000 square miles, which is home to over 20,000 unique species.