2024-12-17
Mekong reveals 234 new species.
A recent report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) reveals the discovery of 234 new species in the Greater Mekong region, which includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
Among these discoveries is an unusual gymnure, a close relative of the hedgehog, nicknamed the "vampire hedgehog" because of its prominent, vampire-like teeth. A gym class, sometimes also called "hairy hedgehog", is a small mammal that belongs to the family hedgehogs, but lacks the typical spines that regular hedgehogs have. Gymnurs instead have one soft, fur-covered body and looks more like a mouse or a shrew.
Another notable species is the H'mong keelback snake, named after the H'mong people who helped in its discovery.
This snake species is known for its ability to produce venom, which is unusual among snakes in its family.
These findings underscore the importance of conserving the region's unique ecosystem, especially given threats such as habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.
This article is based on information from the WFF. Read the original article here: World Wild Life
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: Mark Bolnik, CC BY 4.0 License, original image