From 2021 to 2022, 158 new plant and animal species were discovered in Vietnam. This is according to World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) latest report.
Vietnam Uncovers New Plant and Animal Species
Based on the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) latest record, Vietnam has 158 new plant and animal species uncovered from 2021 to 2022. Some of the recently uncovered organisms in the country are extremely recognised by scientists worldwide. It includes Cat Ba begonia, mainly found on the Cat Ba National Park’s limestone hills.
From the highest peak in central Vietnam, Ngoc Linh Mountain, they found the frog species Quasipaa taoi on. There’s also an Intermedius sunbeam snake within Vietnam’s central Truong Son region (Annamite Range). Regarded as part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, it shelters remarkable and threatened species worldwide.
It serves as a sanctuary for tigers, Sunda pangolin, giant freshwater stingrays, and Asian elephants. Likewise, it’s where new species were discovered since 1997, totalling 3,390 identified species. It includes fish, reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, and vascular plants.
Saving the Species from Decline and Extinction
To avert the reduction and extinction of plant and animal species in Vietnam, the Biodiversity Conservation Partnership promotes “rewilding” activities in nature reserves and national parks throughout the country. Financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the said initiative conducted scientific analyzes on particular animal species.
They focused on the Truong Son region to collect vital information for establishing sustainable breeding populations to be introduced into the wild after 10 to 15 years. Moreover, the collaboration plans to create rescue centres with the needed conditions to care for urgent species under captive conditions, specifically in central Vietnam.
New Frog Species Discovered
Scientists were venturing into the dark Vietnam forest to look at what was creating the “rattling” sound they heard. They found a creature floating on the water in Song Hinh forest in Phú Yên province. The collected specimens differed from any other frogs they spotted, and they discovered that this one was a new frog species.
Researchers named the new animal species Nanohyla albopunctata, or the Song Hinh pygmy narrow-mouthed frog. It measures around 0.8 inches and has dark brown and orange colouring. According to the researchers, its back has a noticeably darker-reddish brown “teddy bear-shaped” marking. It looks somewhat spray-painted but blends the colour of the earth.
The new frog species got its name “albopunctata” from the white spots on its head. According to the DNA analysis, this frog has a considerable level of genetic distinctiveness. This amphibian is distinct if they have over 3% genetic divergence. The Song Hinh pygmy narrow-mouthed frog consists of 5% genetic divergence from its nearest relative.
Image Source: Quyet Le/WikimediaCommons
