‘Vampire’ hedgehog among 234 new species identified in Asia

Scientists from the Greater Mekong region of Southeast Asia described 234 extraordinary new species in 2023. The findings were announced in WWF conservation organization reportThere are 173 plant species, 26 reptiles, 17 amphibians, 15 fish and three mammals.

Since 1997, more than 3,500 new plant and vertebrate species have been identified in the reporting area, which includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, an average of 130 per year.

Here are six of the new species, a hairy hedgehog named after vampires, a nearly invisible dragon lizard and an endangered leafless orchid.

Hylomys macarong

The furry member of the hedgehog family pictured above is endemic to Vietnam. Hylomys macarong It sounds silly, but its name macarons means vampire in Vietnamese. He earned his nickname thanks to the long, pointed fingers that remain hidden in this picture.

Hipposideros kingstonae

This small leaf bat can be found from Thailand to Borneo. DNA testing confirmed this Hipposideros kingstonae it was a new species in 2023.

Little bats are known, weighing only 4.9 to 7 grams. It has been seen near large limestone caves, suggesting possible shelter within them, but also in places far from known caves, most likely in tree hollows.

Laodracon karstikola

It takes keen eyesight to spot this tiny lizard (Laodracon karstikola) on the rugged karst peaks of Laos, which may explain why the species has been overlooked by scientists until now. One of the earliest warnings of this lizard came from a guide on a zipline ride.

The lizard is a member of the Agamidae (lizard lizard) family and has only been seen on limestone pinnacles between 50 and 70 meters high. It is likely that it has developed special characteristics to help it survive in its eroded and rocky microhabitat.

Zhangixalus melanoleucus

This lime-green tree frog (Zhangixalus melanoleucus) was found 2000 meters above sea level in the evergreen forests of Phou Samsoum Mountain in northern Laos. There are many other endemic species in the area, but it is one of the least studied parts of Asia.

I was three months old

It was believed to be this living snake Trimeresurus albolabrisOne of the most common pit viper species in Asia, found from Nepal to Indonesia.

But DNA analysis of 25 specimens collected in Myanmar has revealed that it is a different species, now named. I was three months oldso far it has only been seen in central and southern Myanmar.

Chiloskist quangdangii

This leafless orchid Chiloskista The genus, known as the starfish orchid, has been found in a single location near Lung Muoi, a small remote village in northern Vietnam. It is considered to be very rare.

However, now the orchid is sometimes found in the local plant market, which suggests that the local population Chiloskist quangdangii it is being depleted due to the wildlife trade.