Fanged Frog and Striped Gecko Among New Species Discovered in Mekong

Scientists discovered 163 new species in the Greater Mekong region last year, including a fanged frog that eats birds and a striped gecko with cat-like eyes, according to a new report by WWF International. New species discovered in the area over the last year include 100 plants, 28 fish, 18 reptiles, 14 amphibians, two mammals and a bird, according to the conservation group’s report. The Greater Mekong region includes Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and China’s Yunnan province. From 1997 to 2007, 1,068 new species have been discovered in this area. But the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion, could alter the ecosystems for these species, putting them at risk of extinction, researchers said. “Rare, endangered and endemic species like those newly discovered are especially vulnerable because climate change will further shrink their already restricted habitats,” said Stuart Chapman, director of the WWF Greater Mekong Programme.