87 new wild species discovered in Vietnam

PSNews-The recently published report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) named “Strange species” announced 163 newly discovered species in the Greater Mekong region, including 87 found in Vietnam.

The new species, which include a rainbow-headed snake, a small purple flower with petals resembling mouse ears, a rare species of wild banana and a newt that looks like a Klingon from Star Trek, were found within deep caves, dense jungles and on remote mountain tops.

Rainbow-headed snake (Parafimbrios lao). Photo by Alexandre Teynié.
Rainbow-headed snake (Parafimbrios lao). Photo by Alexandre Teynié.

The species identified in Vietnam include 9 species of amphibian, 14 reptiles, 126 plants and 3 mammals.

Vietnam is considered a country with great biodiversity, however, many species are on the verge of extinction due to illegal hunting activities and negative change of natural habitats.

Phuket Horned Tree Agamid (Acanthosaura phuketensis). Photo by Montri Sumontha.
Phuket Horned Tree Agamid (Acanthosaura phuketensis). Photo by Montri Sumontha.
New bat (Murina kontumensis). Photo by Truong Son Nguyen.
New bat (Murina kontumensis). Photo by Truong Son Nguyen.
Klingon Newt (Tylototriton anguliceps). Photo by Porrawee Pomchote.
Klingon Newt (Tylototriton anguliceps). Photo by Porrawee Pomchote.

Recently, the WWF Vietnam in cooperation with Yok Don National Park launched the Emergency Action Plan to save elephants in the Central Highlands, which is home to the largest population of elephant in Vietnam. In the time to come, WWF Vietnam will support the central province of Thua Thien – Hue to realize the commitment of wildlife consumption-free city.

By Duy Tien

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