The world’s smallest deer, a flying frog, and a green viper are among over 350 new species of life discovered during a decade of research in the Himalayas.
The findings from 1998 – 2008 make the region equivalent to the island of Borneo as a “biological hotspot,” according to a new report from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) entitled Eastern Himalayas: Where Worlds Collide.
“These magnificent spaces — the Himalayas — are facing threats, especially from climate change and its impacts on ecosystems,” said Tariq Aziz, leader of WWF’s Living Himalayas Initiative. “This affects livelihoods and fresh water.”
All told, researchers discovered 16 reptiles, 16 amphibians, 14 fish, two birds, 61 invertebrates and 2 mammals, along with 242 plants.
One of the new species is a green, red-footed frog discovered back in 2007 that is now called the “flying frog”due to its webbed feet, which permit it to glide while falling. Also, a new type of Muntjac was discovered that weighs just 24 pounds! It stands about 30 inches tall, making it the world’s smallest deer (pictured above). Now that’s a miniature muntjac!
Related articles by Zemanta
- Warning over Himalayan species (guardian.co.uk)
- Nepal’s Tiger Numbers Remain Constant Despite Political Upheaval and Poaching, Census Reveals (prweb.com)
- Climate Change Poses Threat to Southeast Asia’s Coral Reefs (takepart.com)
- Climate Change Threatens Millions Who Live Near Sea (huffingtonpost.com)
Incoming search terms:
Get Blippitt via RSS feed, Facebook, Twitter, Google+,
and be sure to get our Daily Email Broadcast.
