Scientists working in the area of Mekong, Vietnam have found over 160 new species in the area in 2008 alone - 100 plants, 28 fish, 18 repitles, 14 amphipians, 2 mammals, and one bird species in the greater Mekong area. One of these new species is a fanged frog, Limnonectes megastomias, which preys on birds and lives in the shallow waters on the edges of streams in eastern Thailand. Scientists believe it uses it's fangs to fight with other males.
Another species discovered by scientists in the area last year is the Cat Ba leopard gecko, or Goniurosaurus catbaensis, which was found on Cat Ba Island National Park in Northern Vietnam. This gecko has leopard spots down the entire length of it's body, and big, orange-brown "cat-like" eyes. There has also been another gecko species found, but because it has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal yet, the WWF has not made it an official species.
You may be wondering why all these species are being discovered in such huge numbers now, and it is believed to be the result of a few factors, one of which being the changing climate. Although we are finding many new species due to climate change, we are at risk of losing a great deal of species to extinction simply because they will not be able to adapt to the climate, as well as their ever-shrinking habitiats. (This is why we all need to be more conscious of our waste!)
Demographics and political stability is also a key factor in these new discoveries - the area is poorly known, and only now healing from the wounds left from the Vietnam war and political unrest in the area. Vietnamese governent has only recently begun spending this kind of money on research and protection of their native plants and animals, allowing scientist to travel to these previously "untapped" regions.
Because of the rapid discoveries in this area over the last few years, and the potential for the same in years to come, the WWF will be publishing yearly tabulations of newly discovered species in the Mekong area. The Vietnamese government also plans to increase efforts to ensure the protection and perservance of these wildlife refuges for the future.
-posted by Kristen (Kristy) McDermott
Does the article mention anything about behavior or communication that can affect the conservation of these rare amphibians? i.e. Do human developments interfere with the ability to find mates, or detect prey? A common obstacle to conservation is the "light pollution" created by housing developments and streetlamps. Does the animal's coloration signal to potential mates or predators?
ReplyDeletePosted by Deysha Rivera
thanks for your question Deysha - the article didn't really say anything about the animal's behavior or communication modes - they haven't really been able to be studied yet because they were just discovered so recently. as far as human interference and "light pollution" - it is not yet a factor with these species because they were discovered in a very remote, almost untouched area.
ReplyDelete-kristy
This is a very interesting article about a pressing issue. These species live in specific regions and probably because of the special standards of living. Although it is great that we are adding to the list of discovered species, it is unfortunate that many of these will be the first ones to go when their habitat becomes disturbed and wipes out the resources their niche requires. On a lighter note, these species provide us with a unique angle on animal behavior because such behavior probably is a result of living in a special environment.
ReplyDeleteposted by Alliam Ortiz