The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has compiled a survey of wildlife discovered by scientists across Bhutan, north-east India, Nepal, north Myanmar and southern Tibet that includes a monkey that sneezes when it rains and a “walking” fish that can breath air.
They are among 211 species discovered in recent years, conservation group told news agency AFP. They include 133 plants including orchids, 26 kinds of fish, 10 amphibians, 39 invertebrates, one reptile, one bird and a mammal.
But no sooner found, the animals and plants could be lost due to threats facing the ecologically sensitive region, the WWF says. They include population growth, deforestation, overgrazing, poaching, mining and hydropower development.
Just 25% of the region’s original habitats remained intact, and hundreds of species had been considered to be globally threatened, WWF says.
“The challenge is to preserve our threatened ecosystems before these species, and others yet unknown, are lost,” said Sami Tornikoski, who heads the WWF Living Himalayas Initiative.
Originally published by Cosmos as Walking fish and a sneezing monkey
Bill Condie
Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
