Hundreds of species new to science discovered in South-East Asia

The Greater Mekong region in South-East Asia is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, and new species continue to be found there at an astonishing rate.

Between 2021 and 2022, 380 animals and plants new to science were discovered in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, according to a report by the environmental charity WWF.

The region is so biologically diverse for a range of reasons, says Mark Wright at WWF. “The tropics tend to have more species diversity than elsewhere,” he says. “But on top of that, the Mekong region has very diverse habitats, such as rainforests and mountains over 5000 metres tall. Each of these is home to its diverse range of species, making this one of the greatest biodiversity hotspots on the planet.”

One of the most enchanting new discoveries made in the region is the Cambodian blue-crested agama (Calotes goetzi). Males of this species, like the one pictured above, have bright blue heads, while both males and females have dark brown spots running along their backs.

The lizards can climb to heights of 10 metres up trees and mainly feed on insects. Older individuals can even change colour as a defence mechanism when guarding their eggs buried in soft soil.

Another captivating new species, Khoi’s mossy frog (Theloderma khoii), was discovered during routine fieldwork in north-east Vietnam. The frog has irregular ridges and warts on its skin, allowing it to blend in better with moss and lichen on trees. “Just seeing the perfection of its camouflage reminds us, yet again, of how extraordinary the natural world is and how effective evolution is as a mechanism for enabling species to adapt,” says Wright.

The frog should be considered endangered as none of its likely area of habitat is currently protected, the report says.

A new species of pitcher plant, Nepenthes bracteosa, was also discovered last year, on a hilltop in southern Thailand, and immediately classified as critically endangered. Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants that form a tube or globe-shaped trap to capture insects.

“These new findings remind us of the extraordinary diversity and inventiveness of nature, which can provoke a childish wonder and delight in us all,” says Wright. “Sadly, it is also a timely reminder of the extreme jeopardy that so many of these species and habitats face and what we risk losing if urgent and committed action is not taken.”