234 New Species Discovered in Greater Mekong Region Highlight Biodiversity Crisis

A WWF report reveals remarkable species discoveries in 2023, while urging stronger conservation efforts to combat threats to the region's ecosystems.

Scientists identified 234 new species in 2023, including 173 plants, 26 reptiles, 17 amphibians, 15 fish, and 3 mammals, across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Highlights include the 'vampire' hedgehog, a leafless orchid likely threatened by overexploitation, and a bright orange crocodile newt discovered at record-high elevations.
The discoveries bring the total number of species described in the Greater Mekong region since 1997 to 3,623, underlining its status as a biodiversity hotspot.
Human activities, including habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change, pose significant threats to these newly documented species.
The WWF calls for urgent conservation measures, emphasizing collaboration with local communities and governments to protect these unique ecosystems.