‘Vampire’ hedgehog among 234 new species identified in Asia

An extraordinary 234 new species were described by scientists in the Greater Mekong region of Southeast Asia in 2023. The findings, announced in a report by conservation organization WWF, include 173 plant species, 26 reptiles, 17 amphibians, 15 fish and three mammals.

Since 1997, more than 3500 new plant and vertebrate species have been identified in the area covered by the report, which includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam – an average of 130 per year.

Here are six of the new species, including a furry hedgehog named after vampires, a nearly invisible dragon lizard and a leafless orchid on the brink of extinction.

Hylomy’s macaron

The furry member of the hedgehog family pictured above is endemic to Vietnam. Hylomy’s macaron may look harmless but its name macarons means vampire in Vietnamese. It got its name thanks to its long, pointed fangs, which remain hidden in this image.

Hipposideros kingstonae

This small leaf-nosed bat can be found from Thailand to Borneo. DNA analysis confirmed it Hipposideros kingstonae was a new species in 2023.

It is not known where the little bat, which only weighs between 4.9 and 7 grams, is located. It has been seen near large limestone caves, suggesting it could shelter inside them, but also in areas far away from known caves, so it could roost in tree hollows.

Laodracon carsticola

Sharp vision is required to spot this small lizard (Laodracon carsticola) high on Laos’ craggy karst peaks, which may explain why the species has been overlooked by scientists until now. One of the earliest known sightings of this lizard was by a guide on a zipline tour.

The lizard is a member of the Agamidae (dragon lizard) family and has only been seen 50 to 70 meters high on limestone outcrops. It probably evolved unique traits to help it survive in its eroded, rocky microhabitat.

Zhangixalus melanoleucus

This lime green tree frogZhangixalus melanoleucus) was discovered 2000 meters above sea level in the evergreen forests of Phou Samsoum Mountain in northern Laos. The area is home to many other endemic species, yet is one of the least studied parts of Asia.

Trimeresurus uetzi

This lively snake was believed to be Trimeresurus albolabrisone of the most common species of viper in Asia, found from Nepal to Indonesia.

But DNA studies of 25 specimens collected in Myanmar have revealed that it is a different species, now called Trimeresurus uetziwhich so far has only been seen in central and southern Myanmar.

Chiloschista quangdangii

This leafless orchid of Chiloschista the genus, members of which are known as starfish orchids, has only ever been found in a single location near Lung Muoi, a small remote village in northern Vietnam. It is believed to be extremely rare.

Even so, the orchid is now sometimes found in the local plant market, suggesting that the local population of Chiloschista quangdangii is being depleted by the wildlife trade.

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