Discovering many new species in Vietnam

New 163 species have been discovered in the Mekong region in the past year, WWF said, of which many species are in danger of extinction because of habitat destruction.

The serpent snake was found at Hon Son island in Rach Gia, Kien Giang, Vietnam.

The wide mouth frog Khorat lives only in remote areas in Thailand. Among the species found are 100 species of plants, 28 species of fish, 18 species of reptiles, 14 species of amphibians, 2 species of animals and 1 species of birds. All are located in the Mekong region, including Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Yunnan Province, China.

The leopard gecko has eyes like foxes and colorful skin. Animals are found in Cat Ba National Park, northern Vietnam. Rare and endangered animals are threatened.

Rising sea levels and saltwater encroachment are altering the copper region with the Mekong, pushing many species to endangered. The wide-mouthed frog Khorat has a powerful tooth used to catch prey and compete with other males.

Wild banana trees with brilliant flowers are only available in Yunnan province, China.

Nonggang's thrush often likes to travel a long distance rather than flying. They only use their wings when frightened. Animals are found in Nonggang Nature Reserve in China, near the Vietnam border.

The colorful Odessa fish is first seen in Myanmar.

The rough tree frog was discovered in the Truong Son mountain range, Vietnam.

Wild banana trees in Yunnan Province, China, are often grown for ornamental purposes.