380 new animal and plant species discovered in the Mekong region

by VTV424 May 2023 Last updated at 07:00 AM

VTV.vn - In just two years, scientists have discovered 380 previously undescribed animal and plant species in the Southeast Asian Mekong region.

Most “new” species have been documented in Vietnam and Thailand, followed by Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, according to a report Monday by the environmental foundation WWF.

Previously unknown species include the blue-headed lizard (Calotes goetzi) from Cambodia that changes color during defense, and a frog species (Theloderma khoii) from northern Vietnam that camouflages itself with a moss-like skin texture.

In contrast, more beautiful flowers were discovered, such as the bright pink-yellow mini orchid in Laos and white flowers in Fansipan, cloud flower in the forest of Lang Biang plateau in Lam Dong province (Vietnam).

The new discoveries showed that the region is still fertile ground for scientific exploration and a biodiversity hotspot. However, they also made it strikingly clear how endangered the increasing destruction of habitats is.

Tags:

Top VND Exchange Rates

Auto-refesh 15m

USD

EUR

AUD
1 VND
Inverse:
0.00004
22,510.0
0.00004
25,226.0
0.00006
15,674.0

Mid-market rates: 2024-03-29 18:00 UTC

WEATHER FORECAST