The World Wildlife Fund has just announced the discovery of more than 200 new species in an effort to protect the biodiversity in Asia. A total of 208 species, including a psychedelic gecko, a monkey with an Elvis haircut, and a self-cloning lizard were found in the Greater Mekong region in eastern Asia during 2010.

The new report details 208 species, including 145 plants, 28 reptiles, 25 fish, 7 amphibians, 2 mammals, and 1 bird, were discovered in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The WWF says that the discovery of so many new species highlights the diversity of the Mekong region and illustrates why the region has to be protected.

Rebecca Ng of WWF’s Greater Mekong Program, said:

“This report is an affirmation of what we know—that the Greater Mekong offers unparalleled diversity in nature—and what must be done. The rich natural treasures of the region could be lost if regional governments don’t recognize that protecting biodiversity is an investment to ensure long-term sustainability, especially in the face of global environmental change.”

The WWF warns that these species will likely follow in the footsteps of the now extinct Javan rhino if wildlife policies are not changed in the region.

Sarah Bladen, communications director for WWF Greater Mekong, told the Associated Press:

“This is a region of extraordinary richness in terms of biodiversity but also one that is extremely fragile. It’s losing biodiversity at a tragic rate.”

Leaders from the Greater Mekong Sub region are meeting in Myanmar next week. The WWF is hoping that the leaders will take note of their more recent report and work to protect the biodiversity in the area.

Here are some of the animals recently discovered in the Greater Mekong region. 

Psychedelic Gecko

A new psychedlic gecko was found off the coast of Southern Vietman. It was discovered living in the boulders of Hon Khoai island, Ca Mau province.

Elvis Monkey

The WWF reports that although “this species, sporting an Elvis-like hairstyle, is new to science, the local people of Myanmar know it well.” Locals say that this snub-nosed monkey will put its head between its legs during a storm to avoid water running into its upturned nose.

A Carnivorous Pitcher Plant

This is one of five new species of pitcher plants that were discovered in 2010. The plant lures in and consumes rats, mice, lizards, and birds.

Self-Cloning Lizard

This self-cloning lizard species (Leiolepis ngovantrii) is an all-female species.

Do you think the Greater Mekong Region will be swayed by the new WWF report?

Psychedelic Gecko, Elvis Monkey, Self-Cloning Lizard Among 200 New Species Discovered in Asia [Photos] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Sea Squirts, Sea Spiders and More

The team, made up of both U.S. and Australian experts, spent a month exploring the area around Tasmania with the goal of finding new forms of life. Their probe went as far down as 13,200 feet below the surface of the sea. In addition to the sea squirts (also known as ascidians) and sea spiders, the scientists found giant sponges, purple-spotted sea anemones, and a host of other unusual marine animals.

Sea Squirt and Sea Spider Pictures

Here are photos from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) showing the carnivorous sea squirt (ascidian), the sea spider, and other species seen during the mission. Hover your mouse over any image to see its name, and click it to enlarge.

PHOTO GALLERY: Sea Squirts, Sea Spiders Discovered In Australian Waters is a post from: The Inquisitr

(Note: Click on any of the images throughout the story to enlarge them. Hover your mouse over the images to see the species’ name.)

Heteropoda Maxima: The Huntsman Spider

Among the finds is a spider called the Heteropoda Maxima — a creature the size of a dinner plate. The Heteropoda Maxima is considered a huntsman spider. When its legs are fully extended, the spider is a full 11.8 inches long, making it one of the largest ever documented worldwide. In all, 88 new species of spiders were found in the Greater Mekong.

Desmoxytes Purpurosea: The Dragon Millipede

Another standout species from the exploration is the Desmoxytes purpurosea, or dragon millipede. The thing is bright pink and lined with poison-producing glands. The striking color, scientists believe, serves as a warning to potential predators to stay away.

Annamite Striped Rabbit and Laotian Rock Rat

Other discoveries include the Annamite Striped Rabbit, or Nesolagus timminsi — only the second such species to ever be seen — and the Laotian rock rat, previously believed to have been extinct for 11 million years. In all, 1,068 new species were observed.

Laotian Rock Rat Video

Greater Concern For Greater Mekong

The finds are more than just curiosities. The WWF is using its report to raise awareness of the need to save the land, calling it a “major global hotspot for biodiversity, a treasure.”

“Scientists keep peeling back the layers and uncovering more and more wildlife wonders,” says Dekila Chungyalpa, director of the WWF’s Greater Mekong Program.

The group fears an ongoing industrial movement in the region will lead to new construction and thus resulting destruction of the species. Years of war had kept scientists from exploring the region for years. Now, the WWF wants to form a cross-border agreement with governments in the Greater Mekong region to protect the newly discovered species, as well as other rare animals in the area.

In all, the WWF found 519 plants, 279 fish, 88 frogs, 88 spiders, 46 lizards, 22 snakes, 15 mammals, four birds, four turtles, two salamanders and a toad.

“This region is like what I read about as a child in the stories of Charles Darwin,” says Cologne Zoo Curator Dr Thomas Ziegler. “It is a great feeling being in an unexplored area and to document its biodiversity for the first time … both enigmatic and beautiful.”

More Photos

More Greater Mekong Video

All images and video courtesy World Wildlife Foundation.

PHOTO GALLERY: More Than 1,000 New Species Discovered In Greater Mekong is a post from: The Inquisitr