Over 200 New Species Discovered in Eastern Himalayas

The Eastern Himalayas is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, and despite the fact that development has left only 25% of the region’s natural habitats intact, the region still holds a number of secrets and surprises. Hidden Himalayas: Asia’s Wonderland is the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF)’s most recent report, which outlines the 211 species discovered in the area between 2009 and 2014. The discoveries include 133 plants, 39 invertebrates, 26 fish, 10 amphibians, one reptile, one bird, and one mammal.

“I am excited that the region – home to a staggering number of species including some of the most charismatic fauna – continues to surprise the world with the nature and pace of species discovery,” Ravi Singh, CEO of WWF-India and Chair of WWF’s Living Himalayas Initiative, said.

The region stretches from northern India, through Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, an part of the far north region of Myanmar. 

This latest round of discoveries include a monkey with an upturned nose – affectionately nicknamed “Snubby” – that sneezes every time it rains due to the position of its nostrils, and the ‘walking’ snakehead fish that can breathe atmospheric air and survive on land for up to four days. 

Though these discoveries are exciting, many of these species are likely to be considered globally threatened due to intense climate changes, population growth, deforestation, poaching, mining, pollution, and other factors.