Parafimbrios lao, a rainbow-headed snake, a dragon-like lizard and a newt that looks like a Klingon from the Star Trek series are among 163 new species found in Greater Mekong, according to a WWF report.
Totally, nine amphibians, 11 fish, 14 reptiles, 126 plants and three mammalian species discovered last year in the Mekong region in Southeast Asia were described for the first time in the new report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Rainbow-headed snake, Parafimbrios lao, found in Laos has been likened to David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" character.
With a unique colouration pattern and different number of scale rows and upper teeth, this snake a new species, part of a whole new Genus: Parafimbrios.
The 'Klingon Newt' (Tylototriton anguliceps) is the fourth newt species found to exist in Thailand.
A new species of newt called the tylototriton anguliceps in Chiang Rai.
It measures between 6-7 cm long, and is distinguished by a dorsal ridge and unique red markings.
The Phuket Horned Tree Agamid (Acanthosaura phuketensis) is a lowland forest dwelling lizard species.
This medium-sized species is distinct from its mainland relatives
based on:- unique colouration,
- placement and size of its many threatening-looking horns on its head and down its spine.
Mekong River- Location: Southeast Asia
- From its origins in China's Tibetan-Qinghai Plateau to Southern Vietnam where it empties into the South China Sea, the river acts as the backbone of a region.
- Wildlife is as diverse as the 300 million people that call it home.
- Between 1997 and 2015 there have been 2,409 new species described in this region,
- Current count: 430 mammal species, 800 reptiles and amphibians, 1,200 birds, 1,100 fish and 20,000 plant species already known to science.
