- Scientists have discovered a hoard of exotic new species in the biodiversity-rich region of Greater Mekong in South-East Asia. The discoveries include:
- A complex tiny fish with its sex organs behind the mouth, as a result of which it mates mouth to mouth.
- Helen’s frog, which used its large, webbed hand and feet to glide between tree tops and comes down only to breed in rain pools.
- A red-and-white-furred flying squirrels – discovered on sale in bush meat market in Laos.
- A new tailorbird warbler in Cambodia.
- An eye-less spider, a parachute gecko and several other species.
- This reinforces Greater Mekong, in particular the forests surrounding the Mekong river which runs through Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and China, as the largest biodiversity hotspot.
- It also brings to the fore how human activities like destruction of habitat, hunting, pollution and others have increased the extinction rates to 1000 times faster than the natural rate, leading us to what many believe to be the 6th mass extinction in earth’s history.
- It illustrates how even as many species are dying out, many hidden ones are revealed strengthening the need for immediate steps for the conservation of these species.
- This is imperative to prevent their extinction and keep alive the hope of discovering many more fascinating creatures in the years to come.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/300-new-species-found-in-greater-mekong/article6087343.ece
Exams Perspective:
- Mega Biodiversity
- Discovery of new species in Greater Mekong