Covering the countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, the Greater Mekong region is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Its jungles and forests are home to beautiful and unique plants, and iconic species such as tigers and Asian elephants.
But as well as the superstars of the animal world, these countries are where new faces are found on a regular basis. Since 1997, over 3,000 new species have been recorded in the region.
In 2020 alone, scientists identified 224 new species of plants and animals, some of which you can see below. Among the discoveries were 155 plants, 35 reptiles, 17 amphibians, 16 fish and one mammal – the Popa langur, a species of monkey named for Mount Popa where it was spotted.
Sadly, threats such as habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade mean many of these plants and animals could disappear before we have a chance to learn more about them.
Spotted! New species
More to explore
Tackling the traffickers
Wildlife crime continues to threaten some of our most precious species. But with your support, we’re taking action to stop the traffickers, sever the trade routes and improve law enforcement
