More than 160 new species have been discovered in the Mekong River region of southeast Asia in the past year, according to CNN.com. Among them is a bird-eating fanged frog, Limnonectes megastomias, which inhabits remote regions of Thailand.The Mekong River region has a diverse range of habitats and many species found there cannot be found anywhere else in the world. While only one new bird species has been discovered in the area recently – the bare-faced bulbul – it is hoped that by cataloging the diversity of the region greater protective and conservation measures can be initiated. Climate change, rising river levels and rapid development in the area are threatening species before they’re even discovered.
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Mekong River
Photo © Allie Caulfield
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