メコン川流域、新種生物２００種以上発見　ＷＷＦ

【バンコクＡＦＰ＝時事】世界自然保護基金（ＷＷＦ）はこのほど、気候変動や森林伐採などの人間活動による脅威にもかかわらず、２０２０年に東南アジア・メコン川流域の大メコン圏で２００種以上の新種生物が発見されたと発表した。（写真はベトナムで発見された新種のカエル。世界自然保護基金＜ＷＷＦ＞提供）
　ＷＷＦは新たに公開した報告書で、ミャンマー、タイ、ラオス、カンボジア、ベトナムを含む同域で、植物と脊椎動物合わせて２２４種の新種が発見されたと発表。オナガザルや無色のドウクツギョ、うろこの模様に特徴があるカラフルなヘビなどが含まれる。
　メコン川流域は、生物多様性の観点から極めて重要な地域。１９９７年以降、３０００種以上の新種が発見されており、ＷＷＦは同域の脆弱（ぜいじゃく）な生態系を保護していくことの重要性を指摘している。【翻訳編集ＡＦＰＢＢＮｅｗｓ】

〔ＡＦＰ＝時事〕（2022/01/28-11:58）

Scientists discovered more than 200 new species across the greater Mekong region in 2020, according to a WWF report, despite the threats posed by climate change and human activities such as logging.
The finds include a new primate, a colourless cavefish and an iridescent snake with an unusual non-overlapping pattern of scales.
In all, 224 new species of plants and vertebrate animals were found in the region -- which includes Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam -- WWF said in its New Species Discoveries report.
Images of the Popa langur monkey, which takes its name from the extinct volcano Mount Popa in central Myanmar, were caught by camera traps.
The mountain is still home to the largest population of the reclusive simian, around 100 individuals, WWF said.
Only around 200 to 250 of the monkeys -- which are threatened by hunting, logging and loss of habitat -- are thought to survive in total.
In Vietnam, researchers found the vivid-coloured Mount Ky Quan San horned frog at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres (6,500 feet) on the peak which gives it its name.
The greater Mekong region, with landscapes ranging from jungles to mountains and karst formations, is a hugely important biodiversity hotspot.
It is home to some of the world's most impressive -- and most endangered -- species including the tiger, the Asian elephant and the Mekong giant catfish.
WWF have said the rate of discovery of new species -- more than 3,000 since 1997 -- shows the importance of preserving the region's fragile ecosystems.