wwf_lhi_species_report_oct_5.pdf

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HIDDEN HIMALAYAS:ASIAS WONDERLAND

New species discoveries in the

Eastern Himalayas, Volume II2009-2014

REPORTLIVING

HIMALAYAS

2015


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WWF is one of the worlds largest and most experienced independentconservation organisations, with over 5 million supporters and a globalnetwork active in more than 100 countries.

WWFs mission is to stop the degradation of the planets naturalenvironment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony withnature, by: conserving the worlds biological diversity, ensuring that theuse of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting thereduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

Written and designed by Christian Thompson (consultant),with Sami Tornikoski, Phuntsho Choden and Sonam Choden(WWF Living Himalayas Initiative).

Published in 2015 by WWF-World Wide Fund For Nature(Formerly World Wildlife Fund).

Text 2015 WWFAll rights reserved

Front coverA new species of dwarf snakehead sh(Channa andrao) Henning Strack Hansen

For more information

Please contact: Phuntsho Choden Communications Manager WWF Living Himalayas Initiative [email protected]


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MINISTER

FOREWORD

The importance of the Eastern Himalayas as a biodiversity hotspot is well known. Endowed with exceptionallyrich ora and fauna, the region is truly a conservation jewel. Therefore, to learn that 211 new species havebeen discovered in the Eastern Himalayas between 2009 and 2014 further enhances that reputation.

The Royal Government of Bhutan is truly delighted to know that at least 15 of the new species were foundin Bhutan alone. This is indeed an indication of how much there is still to be explored and found from ourincredible region.

The Eastern Himalayas is not just an important place for its natural wonders and rare wildlife but the localpeoples traditions, lifestyles and livelihoods have been shaped by the environment here. Its snowcappedmountains and forests, that feed our perennial rivers, are a lifeline to millions of people and are critical to theeconomies of the countries that share the region.

However, this treasure trove of ours is also a region most at risk from climate change. It is adversely impactingthe Himalayas biodiversity and ecosystem services through increased temperature, extreme oods, droughtsand storms as a result of shifting weather patterns. With the risk of climate change coupled with increasinghuman pressures and threats, we must continue to enhance monitoring of the Himalayan ecosystem andequip ourselves with tools to adapt to the impacts of climate change. We need to come together to conservethis shared natural heritage. We must ensure that there is balance between development and conservation.

I, on behalf of the Royal Government of Bhutan, would like to express support for WWF and its efforts tosafeguard the Eastern Himalayas incredible biodiversity and natural resources.

I would also like to commend the many scientic explorers who have ventured into the unknown and made

signicant contributions to increasing our knowledge of the Eastern Himalayas.

Phone No.PAMinister: 322129, 337003, PA Secretary: 322379,DoFPS: 322395, 322487, DoL: 322418, 322795,CoRRB: 322936, 323514, DoA: 322228, 322805, PPD:

322545,322168, AFD:322230, 322726, HRD: 323841, 333715, DAMC:322909, 335741,BAFRA:327031, 331349, NBC: 351218, 351417, IAU: 322263, ICS:

321142/322855,

Minister for Agriculture and Forests, Bhutan


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A global biodiversity hotspot, the Eastern Himalayas is one of the worlds biologically richest areas. Very fewplaces on earth can match its breathtaking splendor and its diverse array of ora and fauna. Its rich naturalresources provide a source of livelihoods for many both within and outside the region.

Therefore, the discovery of 211 new species between 2009 and 2014 adds to our appreciation of the regionsimmense value. With more than 60 of these new species discovered in Nepal, it further validates the vastnatural richness of our Eastern Himalayas.

While we are still enriching our knowledge of the Eastern Himalayas through such discoveries and scienticresearch, the ecosystems within the region continue to provide several vital contributions to our economiesand lives. Its forest and perennial rivers ensure continued access to water, energy, food and livelihoods forhalf a billion people. Thus, preserving the Eastern Himalayas incredible biodiversity and natural resources iscritical not only for Nepal but for the whole of South Asia.

However, our region is also gravely threatened by climate change. We are already experiencing extremeoods, droughts and storms. As these impacts of climate change increase, the existing free ecosystem servicesmay be affected adversely.

Hence, we must work together to ensure that regional mechanisms are in place to respond to climate change.We must recognize the importance of the Eastern Himalayas and continue to enhance monitoring of theHimalayan ecosystem, and equip ourselves with tools to adapt to the impacts of climate change. We mustconserve our shared natural heritage.

The Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation will continue to support WWFs efforts to conserve the richbiodiversity and natural resources of the Eastern Himalayas. I would also like to congratulate the scienticexplorers who continue to make signicant contributions to increasing our knowledge of the EasternHimalayas.


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The discovery of 211 new speciesfrom one of the most biologically

rich regions of the world is a

celebration of the amazing gift

of nature. With discovery, comes

the important responsibility

to continue protecting and caring for these

precious gift that this world has been blessed

with. This is yet another reason why the

world must come together to give voice to the

voiceless, to build a future where humanity can

continue to live in harmony with nature. We

thank all involved in the study, for sharing their

knowledge, transcending boundaries for the

good of our only planet, we call home.

- Dechen Dorji, Country Representative, WWF Bhutan

The Eastern Himalayas hometo the water towers of Asia, some

of the worlds most iconic species,

and biologically and culturally

diverse landscapes brings together

governments, conservationists and

communities in Bhutan, India and Nepal under

a common conservation purpose. The new

species discovered in the Eastern Himalayas is

testimony of the rich biodiversity of the region

which till today remains to be fully explored.

It also underscores the need to work together,

even stronger, both within and beyond national

borders to help conserve the natural riches of

this landscape.

- Anil Manandhar, Country Representative, WWF Nepal

The Eastern Himalayas is home to a staggering number of species including some of the

most charismatic fauna. I am excited that the region continues to surprise the world with

the nature and pace of species discovery.

I have the privilege to serve an organization that has, over the last four decades, played

an important role in some of the most exciting conservation contributions in this region.

The conservation complex panning Nepal, Bhutan and Northeastern India, serves as a

home for populations of millions species, known and unknown . At the same time, these ecosystems

continue to provide a source to nd new natural wonders, discoveries of which grow every decade.

Over 550 new species have been discovered from the Eastern Himalayas over the last 15 years. 211

of these were discovered between 2009 to 2014 . There are a number of opportunities for the three

countries governments to work individually and together to ensure that the role of natural capital,

the primary source of growth, is adequately included in decision-making and development planning.

Since the Eastern Himalayas, represent economies that are growing and developing, it is imperative

to ensure that the existing biodiversity is protected and there are healthy ecosystems are maintained

across the conservation mosaic. Efforts to bring together governments and partnerships and scientic

inputs must continue in parallel.

As always, WWF will continue to work with the governments and other partners, as it has for over

four decades in the Eastern Himalayas.

Ravi SinghChairman of WWF Living Himalayas InitiativeSecretary General & CEO, WWF-India

Messages from the Living Himalayas


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Contents1.0 Executive summary

2.0 Introduction:

Eastern Himalayas,

Asias wonder land

3.0 Hidden Himalayan highlights:

Uncovering six years of new

discoveries

4.0 Unique discoveries in focus

a closer look

- Orchids

(Nepal and Assam, India)

- Vibrant blue Dwarf Walking

Snakehead fish

(West Bengal, India)

- A unicorn (of sorts) does exist!

(Nepal)

- A bird hiding in plain sight: A

distant relative makes an appearance

(India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar)

- A striking blue-eyed frog(Arunachal Pradesh, India)

- A fanged fish

(Far North Myanmar)

- A rare endemic new frog

(Arunachal Pradesh, India)

- A bejeweled lance-headed

pit-viper (India)

- A Critically Endangered (IUCN)

colobine monkey that has no nose

(Far North Myanmar)

- The first endemic fish species

in Bhutan

- A Survey of India exploration

yield new Bananas and impatiens in

the Eastern Himalayas

(Arunachal Pradesh, India)

5.0 Threats to the Eastern

Himalayas

6.0 Solutions do exist

7.0 Appendix

8.0 References


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MichaelFoley

The awe-inspiring Himalayas

1.0 ExecutiveSummaryThe Eastern Himalayas spanning Bhutan,the north-eastern Indian states ofArunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, North

Bengal, the transboundary landscape ofTerai Arc, far north of Myanmar, Nepal andsouthern Tibet is one of the biologicallyrichest areas on Earth.


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The Hidden Himalaya: Asias Wonder Land 7

The Eastern Himalayas includes four of the Global 200 ecoregions, critical landscapesof international biological importance, and is home to more than 10,000 plant species,300 mammal species, 977 bird species, 176 reptiles, 105 amphibians and 269 freshwatersh. The region also has the highest density of the Bengal tiger and is the last bastion forthe charismatic greater one-horned rhino.

The rugged and largely inaccessible landscape of the Eastern Himalayas, however, hidesthe real extent of the regions biodiversity, with extraordinary new species continuing to

be discovered year-on-year.

Between 2009 and 2014, at least 211 new species have been discovered in the Eastern

Himalayas, 34 new species nds on average every year for the last six years (seeAppendix). The discoveries include 133 plants, 39 invertebrates, 26 sh, 10 amphibians,one reptile, one bird and one mammal.

This report celebrates these unique and fascinating species discoveries, as well as knownspecies found in this vibrant region. It also highlights the many vital habitats that facegrowing pressures as a consequence of unsustainable development in the region.Despite protection efforts, in the last half-century, this area of South Asia has faced a

wave of pressures as a result of population growth and the increasing demand forcommodities by global and regional markets. The host of threats include forestdestruction as a result of unsustainable and illegal logging, agriculture, unsustainablefuel wood collection, overgrazing by domestic livestock, poaching and wildlife trade,mining, pollution and poorly planned infrastructure. The region is also among the most

vulnerable to global climate change, which will amplify the impacts of these threats.

According to Conservation International, only 25% of the original habitats remainintact.

Many of WWFs established priority conservation landscapes are being impacted by thecurrent unsustainable development in the Eastern Himalayas, and so we consider that anew layer of strategic action is needed to augment our longstanding eld projects.

By promoting a shared sustainable development vision, WWF believes that real progresscan be made in tackling huge poverty-impacting issues in the Eastern Himalayas such asclimate change, deforestation, the illegal wildlife and timber trade, poor infrastructuredevelopment, and thereby secure the livelihoods, subsistence and fresh water essentialto millions of people throughout the region.

Only a concerted focus and a shared vision can maintain a living Himalayas, for peopleand nature, whether discovered or yet to be discovered.

Location of the

Eastern Himalayas inSouth Asia

New orchid species(Bulbophyllum nepalense)

Raskoti,BRandRAle

Executive summary

New frog species(Leptobrachium bompu)

ChintanSheth


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SwatiSani

The Eastern Himalayas comprise 17 landscapes for the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris),Asias largest carnivore,with the densest population of Bengal tigers in the world.

2.0 Introduction:Eastern Himalayas,

Asias Wonderland

Charismatic characters (from topto bottom): Asian elephant,

red panda, Greater one-hornedrhino and snow leopard

B

enjaminJak

abek

ChristianThompson

X

J

BenByrne


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The awesome Eastern Himalayas form part of the 3000km-long Himalayan mountainrange and comprise all of the worlds tallest peaks. This remarkable abode of snow(Sanskrit) was violently thrust out of the Earth by a colossal tectonic eruption that sawIndia and Eurasia crash together 40-50 million years ago. The largest peak in thisincredible chain is the fearsome Mount Everest at a formidable 8,848metres high. Fromthe roof of the world, this colossus peers down over Asia. Today, the continuous shiftingof tectonic plates continues to add height to the Himalayas further skyward.

This breathtaking natural wall separates the lowlands of the Indian subcontinent fromthe highest Plateau on earth, creating a land of striking contrasts. The dynamic climateand altitudinal environmental conditions have crafted some of the natural worlds mostmagnicent landscapes in close geographic proximity, from the worlds highest mountainsand several of the deepest crevasses, to lush rainforest and temperate forests, envelopingsavannas and serene alpine meadows.

The Himalayas are the source of four of the worlds major rivers - the Indus, the Gangesand the Brahmaputra and Mekong. These distant feeders, provide most of Asia with itssource of fresh water, pouring life from its peaks through arteries in every direction thatis vital for all living things on Earth. When considering the impact of these rivers on widerremaining Asia Pacic which now accounts for over half of the worlds population, nearly40% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and 3.96 billion in 2013, comprising 55%of the global total1, these crucial habitats are simply irreplaceable in the function theyprovide to the global economy.

A land of wonder, the Eastern Himalayas is shared by a wealth of different cultures andfaiths including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and animism. The diversepopulations of several countries here have lived inextricably linked to the naturalresources the Eastern Himalayas has provided for thousands of years. The communitiesthe region plays host to have thrived here, with their very customs, lifestyles andlivelihoods shaped by their distinctive environment. The Himalayan cultures continue to

be deeply dependent on the environment today for their future economic prosperity anddevelopment.

9 The Hidden Himalaya: Asias Wonder Land

The Eastern Himalayas encompasses Nepal, the transboundary

landscape of the Terai Arc, all of the Kingdom of Bhutan andthe northern Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam andSikkim. In addition, this unique frontier region of South Asiafurther seeps into North Bengal, the far north Myanmar as wellas southern Tibet. (Figure 1)

Figure 1. Wonder Land: Map of the Eastern Himalayas showing key landscapes

Asias Wonder Land


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Land of diversity

The curious genesis of the Eastern Himalayas explains many of its wonders. Theremarkable mountains form the roof of Asia and even here in this sometimes hostileand inhospitable of terrains, many unique species can be encountered. Icons of Asia,such as the big cat of the high Himalayas, the snow leopard, call this northern regionhome. The Eastern Himalayas also shelters red pandas, black bears, wolf, golden lan-gurs, blue sheep, and a diverse assemblage of alpine ungulates, like takins.

In the shadow of this extreme landscape lies an altogether different world of wonder.The worlds northernmost tropical rainforests can be found in the Eastern Himalayas2and nearly half of the owering plants3and bird species known from India4. The plantlife of tropical Arunachal Pradesh (India) is considered among the most diverse in the

world, ranking second only to equatorial regions like Sumatra in Indonesia and greater

than Borneo, Brazil and Papua New Guinea5

.

Importantly, the lowland region comprises 17 landscapes for the Bengal tiger6, Asiaslargest carnivore, with the densest population of Bengal tigers in the world. The EasternHimalayas are also the last bastion for the charismatic greater one-horned rhino, whichonce enjoyed a range spanning the entire length of the Himalaya foothills, fromPakistan to Myanmar7but is now restricted to India and Nepal.

Hence, the Eastern Himalayas is one of the biologically richest areas on Earth. Lockedwithin this global biodiversity hotspot8are four Global 200 ecoregions9, critical land-scapes of international biological importance, four World Heritage sites, two EndemicBird Areas10I, and several global centres for plant diversity11. The Himalayas harbourat least a staggering 10,000 plant species, from tropical to temperate, from alpine totundra; 300 mammal species, 977 bird species, 176 reptiles, 105 amphibians and 269

types of freshwater sh12. A third of all plants and reptiles are endemic, as are 40% of allamphibians13.

In addition to this, between 1998-2008 in the Eastern Himalayas at least 354 newspecies were described new to science for the rst time in their existence.

Source: WCS/IUCN/IUCN Red List


Source of freshwaterfor 1 billion people

Indian Himalayashold amount of

carbon roughly equalto total annual Asian

carbon emissionsfrom fossil fuels

30% of all plants andreptiles and 40% of all

amphibians are uniqueto the region

Asias Wonder Land

IEndemic refers to a species that is exclusively nave to a specic geographic range and found nowhere

else.


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ChrisWalker

Forest leading to foreboding mountainous terrain, Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalayas


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MartinAveling/Fauna&FloraInternational

New monkey species,Rhinopithecus strykeri, captured in a biological drawing reminiscentof those created by early explorers recording life on Earth for the rst time.

3.0Hidden Himalayanhighlights: Uncovering sixyears of new discoveries

A century ago, many parts of the world remained

unknown and undiscovered. Historically, therugged and largely inaccessible landscape of theEastern Himalayas has made biological surveys inthe region extremely difcult. As a result, wildlifehas remained poorly surveyed and there are largeareas that are still biologically unexplored.


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Many believe that the 21st century is the greatest age of exploration because technologyis opening doors once believed permanently closed, including in the elds ofarchaeology and palaeontology14.

In the Eastern Himalayas, the topographic complexity, including steep mountains andvalleys, has also forged isolated islands of habitat. According to scientists, large areas ofintact forests, rivers and thousands of isolated streams, separated by mountain massifs,high ridges and valleys, could support populations of species cut off from one another,giving rise to genetic differences among populations, a step toward the evolution ofendemic species. Scientists believe that these pockets could harbour globally threatenedspecies, and further still, many undiscovered species, including mammals, reptiles andamphibians, some of which could qualify for globally threatened status but have beenmissed in surveys to date15.

As this report highlights, further new species have continued to be encountered,

documented and ofcially described as new since this time.

Scientists continue to endeavour to take on the challenge of documenting the naturalworld regardless of the terrain and other obstacles they may be presented with. Forexample, as recent as July 2014 a team explored further the habitats of the Bhutan-Manas landscape in the Eastern Himalayas and uncovered 55 species that had not beenpreviously recorded. The species comprised 20 amphibian species and 35 reptilespecies. It is surveys such as this that will invariably and ultimately highlight newspecies that are previously unknown and have not been encountered anywhere16.

Many species groups have been inadequately studied and the real extent of thebiodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas is undoubtedly underestimated. This is reectedin the remarkable level of new life discovered in the region over the past 6 years bydedicated scientists as this report shows. Some of these species have evolved and

survived for centuries, and their full glory is only just being unearthed. Some are sounique and charismatic that scientists are often at a loss as to how to classify them.

Some 133 plants, 39 invertebrates, 26 sh, 10 amphibians, one reptile, one bird and onemammal have been discovered over the past 6 years in the Eastern Himalayas. The newnds include a new shy bird species, Himalayan pitviper (Protobothropshimalayansus), miniature dracula sh (Danionella dracula)and dwarf snake headsh (Channa Andrao), snub-nose monkey (Rhinopithecus strykeri), strikingly blue-eyed frog(Leptobrachium Bompu), and 133 plants from a diverse assemblage, including15 beautiful orchids. The botanical discoveries derive from some 35 different plantfamilies. In total, an extraordinary 211 new nds have been identied.

These charismatic new species should once-again draw renewed international attentionto the valuable biodiversity of this globally important region, frequently overlooked for

its natural biological wealth. The impressive number of new species is greater than thetotal number of species discovered on Borneo over a similar periodII.

For scientists

and explorersit is a very

exciting time

to be alive

- Terry Garcia,

National Geographics

Chief Science and Exploration

Ofcer, Bhutan, 2014


Hidden Himalayan Highlights

II The WWF report, Borneos Lost World (2005), showed that between 1994 and 2004, 361 new species were

idened on Borneo over a 10 year period.


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New orchid species(Bulbophyllum nepalense)

4.0Unique discoveriesin focus a closer lookIn total 133 plants, 39 invertebrates, 26 sh, 10amphibians, one reptile, one bird and onemammal have been discovered over the past 6years in the Eastern Himalayas. Here we look at

some of the more unique discoveries.

R.Gogoi&S.Borah

(Impatiens lohitensis)


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A plethora of new plantspecies have beenfound in theHimalayan landscape.

Both the mountainousand tropical veneer ofthe Himalayas hide a vast

botanical world. This canbe found extending acrossthe Eastern Himalayas,in the form of an alluringlandscape that has yielded133 new plant discoveriesdescribed for the rst

time and recorded in theEastern Himalayas in thelast 6 years. This equatesto 22 new species every

year for the past 6 years17.The new plant speciesinclude plants from over35 different plant families,

+ 133ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREENEW PLANTS WEREDISCOVERED IN THEEASTERN HIMALAYS

BETWEEN 2009-2014

SPECTACULARORCHID DISCOVERIESNEPAL AND ASSAM, INDIA

ranging from families ofowering plants, aromaticplants celery, carrot orparsley family, cashewfamily, ferns, daisy or

sunower family, sedges,spurge, pea or bean family,shrubs, orchids, poppiesand pines, bananas, nettlesand heather, herbs and rosefamilies. The plantdiscoveries account for thelargest proportion of thenew species nds.

Among the more beautifulowering plants are the

splendid orchids. Thenew discoveries of plantsinclude a range of species

but the orchids are amongthe most glorious!

Bulbophyllum nepalensewas for the rst timereported from Nepal. Thenew species was collectedfrom Shivapuri NationalPark, Kathmandu at analtitude of 2300 masl. The species hasoblong dorsal sepals, the

elliptic petals and oblongdecurved ligulate lip withnarrow pseudobulbs, thefalcate, acute-acuminatelateral sepals, and twostrips of papillae or shorthairs on the adaxial sideof the lip, close to the

margins18.Ione kipgenii wasdiscovered by Kishor ledresearch team of Centre forOrchid Gene Conservation

of the Eastern HimalayanRegion during a survey inthe forests of the region.http://manipurupdate.com/worlds-newest-gingerorchids-discovered-in-manipur/

Orchids have long been thesubject of intense scienticinterest and at times,emotional obsession19.

W h en a m a nf a l l s i n l o v e w i t h

o r ch i d s , he l l d o

a n y t h i n g t o

po ssess t h e on e

he w an t s. I t s

l i k e cha si n g

a g r een -ey ed

w om a n o r t a k i n g

coca i n e . . .

i t s a so r t o fm adn ess

- The O rch i d Th i e f ,B y Su s an O r l ea n s


Unique discoveries in focus


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Vibrant blue DwarfWalkingSnakehead fish

(CHANNA ANDRAO)- WEST BENGAL, INDIA

The discovery of Channa andrao, newspecies, from Lefraguri swamp, WestBengal, raises the number ofsnakehead species endemic to theEastern Himalaya biodiversityhotspot to ten, representing almostone third of the known species inthe genus. This makes the EasternHimalayas a centre of diversity for

snakeheads.

The new species can be distinguishedfrom all other species of snakeheads

by its colour pattern, its number ofvertebrae, dorsal and anal n rays,and lateral-line scales20. Snakeheadsare valued food shes in their nativehabitats. Thirty-six species arecurrently recognized within the genusChanna. The new species C. andraohas so far been collected only at itstype locality in West Bengal.

Snakeheads are primitive sh.They are air breathers: despite thefact that they have gills, if they aredenied access to the surface they diefrom oxygen starvation Some areimportant food sh in the countriesin which they are found. Snakeheadsare ambush predators. They preferto target their prey from below, oftenlunging upwards from the bottom tograb sh and other creatures. Dwarfsnakeheads are common in forestareas and seem to prefer the clear

water of shallow streams, pools and

swamps.

FLICKR

All snakeheads are solitary predators,subsisting on a diet of smaller sh andinvertebrates. Certain other attributesof this species also seem moresnake-like than sh-like: incredibly,this snakehead sh is able to breathatmospheric air and can even surviveon land for up to four days. Itsmovements on land may appear more

cumbersome than a smoothlyslithering snake, but this species canwrithe and wriggle its way up to mile on wet land between bodies of

water. Because of its aggressive traits,National Geographichas dubbedsnakehead sh as Fishzilla. Such istheir reputation, there has even been aHollywood lm made of snakeheads!21

Each spawning-age female can releaseup to 15,000 eggs at once. Snakeheadscan mate as often as ve times a year.This means in just two years, a single

female can release up to 150,000eggs . The genus can grow to 1.2mmaximum length and are importantin aquaculture and commonly used inrice-sh farming.

Its discovery reemphasizes thesignicance of the mountain regionsof the Eastern Himalaya as a

biodiversity hotspot for freshwatershes22. The exploration of moreremote areas of the Indian, Nepalese,and Myanmar mountain ranges willundoubtedly yield additional new

snakehead species in the futureaccording to scientists23.




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A unicorn(of sorts)does exist!

(KOPONENIUS UNICORNIS)

- NEPAL

Big little discoveries:These small creatureshave a large role inHimalayan ecology

There have been at least 39new invertebratediscoveries from theEastern Himalayas region

in the last 6 years. Therehave likely been manymore than this; probablynumbering in theirhundreds over the past six

years, and more still will beawaiting ofcial scienticdescription.

Although it is difcult toaccurately measure thenumber of discoveriesfor the largest group ofspecies, it is not difcult

to assess the contributionthey make to the natural

world. The smallestcreatures have thelargest role in ecology.Invertebrates play a crucialrole in the natural food

web of many other species;they perform a role upon

which all other playersin the web of life literallydepends.

+ 39NEW INVERTEBRATES

SPECIES WERE DISCOVERED

IN THE EASTERN HIMALAYAS

K.

Makarov

K.Makarov


New invertebratediscoveries in the EasternHimalayas include newmoths, millipedes, beetles,ies and wasps; thesmallest of creatures atrst glance but ultimatelyessential to the health oftodays ecosystems. The

new discoveries span allthe countries of the EasternHimalayas and includesome unique and importantspecies.

The millipede,Koponeniusunicornis, for example atrst glance seemsinsignicant but this uniqueanimal represents the rst

westernmost indigenousrepresentatives ofHaplodesmidae reported

from the Himalayas ofNepal and India. Its 19

body segments are uniqueamong millipede species.Therefore its discoveryhas made an importantcontribution to science andits knowledge base whichin turn forms a foundationto many responses in how

we approach our use ofnature and its conservation

and the threats it faces intodays modern world.The species name unicornisrefers to the protrudingcolumn found underneaththe species.

Even more signicant, thediscovery signals the

identication of an entirelynew genus! The speciesbelongs to the newlyestablished genus,

Koponenius gen. nov.,together based on a similarspecies collected,K. biramussp. nov., from Nepal alsoofcially described in 201424.

Further new invertebratesinclude a number of ies.Gnats and caddisiesinitially formed the majority

of new species whenresearching new invertebratediscoveries. Flies are animportant food source formany other creatures. Oneparticularly diligent anddedicated Finnish scientistdescribed 14 gnats. Althoughamong the smallest ofcreatures, all species havetheir role to play in Himalayanecology.



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Klaas/dip

tera.info

Example ofMycomyaspecies


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Unfinished business:New fungus gnats species discovered inthe Eastern Himalayas

After almost 30 years of hiatus from scienticresearch, Dr. Rauno Visnen - a Finnish taxonomistand Director of Natural Heritage Services atMetshallitus (a state enterprise that manages mostof Finlands protected areas) - experienced a year ofremarkable discoveries in 2013.

Dr. Visnen described 14 new fungus gnats in theEastern Himalayas. In fact Dr. Visnen, during hisscientic career, has discovered a total of 42 new fungusgnats species of genusMycomyathus, taking thenumber of scientically documented mosquito species inthe region from just 7 to 49.

Discovering even one new species is exciting. Imaginediscovering 42!

He named one of the new species asMycomya jeti- afterthe abominable snowman of the Himalayas - the Yetiand another one after his wifes rst name,Mycomya anneliae.

Discovery of new species do not happen overnight. It wasafter persistent request from his friend and colleague,Dr. Pekka Viljamaa, who encouraged Dr. Visnen to gorevisit and complete his over 30-year-old research.

Speaking on the signicance of the discoveries, Dr.Visnen said such discoveries helped people tounderstand the kind of world we live in and therefore, it

was important to know what these species are, what theydo and how they have evolved. This knowledge createsthe conditions for ecological and evolutionary studies. Itis important information when planning how to managenatural forests, logging or the establishment of newprotected areas, he said.

For the new species that he discovered, the data werederived from a Swedish expedition to Myanmar in 1934,a 1967 Canadian expedition to Nepal and a Japaneseresearch group in Nepal in 1971-72. He said that datacollection, processing and sorting are easy but actualtaxonomic research requires time, patience and hard

work.

Dr. Visnen says that there would still be a lot ofundiscovered species in the Eastern Himalayan region.He said that documenting them is the rst step towardunderstanding the full richness and diversity of life onearth.

Lets see what more surprises await us in the Eastern

Himalayas!

Dr. Visnen has a PhD in zoology

from the University of Helsinki

(1984). He has published more than

hundred peer-reviewed scientic

papers in biosystematics, ecology,

forest zoology, entomology,

ecotoxicology and conservation

biology.

As the Director of Natural Heritage

Services (NHS) at Metshallitus

since 1995, he is in charge of the

management of the protected areas

system in Finland (altogether about

four million hectares on lands and

three million hectares of waters).

He has been actively involved in the

work of international organisations

such as IUCN, EUROPARC

Federation, Eurosite, PAN Parks

and WWF.


Dr.RaunoVisnen


22/44

Hiding in plainsight: A distantrelative (anda shy forest-

dweller) makesan appearance!

(ELACHURA FORMOSA)- INDIA, NEPAL, BHUTAN,MYANMAR

Almost a thousand birdsgrace the Himalayas, aunique natural region onthe roof of the world andclosely associated with thesky. In the EasternHimalayas close to 1,000species have been recorded

when surveyed, whichroughly equates to astaggering one tenth of allknown bird species of the

world. One in ten species

of birds are found here!

Scientists are alwaysstriving to provide a goodaccount of what is presentin a given area and toprovide an accurate pictureand representation of thespecies that inhabit the

various ecoregions of theextraordinary EasternHimalayas. The search fornew species continues andthere will undoubtedly be

some new nds in thecoming years.

The spotted Elachura orspotted wren-babbler(Elachura formosa)foundin thick undergrowth inthe dense forests of theEastern Himalayasprovided evidence that it

was distinct from thebabblers and part of abasal lineage (one thatdiverged early) with no

other close living relatives

within the passerine birdclade PasseridaIII. This ledto the creation of a newfamily, Elachuridae, toaccommodate just onespecies (a monotypictaxon) a new species of

bird was discovered as aresult in 2014!25Thespotted Elachura measures10 cm including its shorttail. It is brown above and

white below. It is dark

brown all over, with rufouswings and tail. It also haswhite speckles all over itsbody, shifting to blackbarring on its wings andtail.

Elachura formosa belongsto a unique family of birds

which contains no otherknown species. Accordingto researchers, the

Elachuramales have anunusual high-pitched

song, unlike those of otherAsian birds. Scientistsinvestigating families

within the Passerida groupof birds also discoveredthe spotted wren-babbler,

whose natural habitat issubtropical or tropicalmountain forests.

The study was undertakenby researchers from theSwedish University of

Agricultural Sciences

in Uppsala and the

Chinese Academy of Sciencesin Beijing. Professor Per

Alstrom, from theUniversity of AgriculturalSciences, said This singlespecies is the only livingrepresentative of one of theearliest off-shoots within thelargest group of [perching

birds], which comprises[around] 36% of the worlds10,500 bird species. AlstromdescribedElachuraasextremely secretive anddifcult to observe, as it

usually hides in very densetangled undergrowth in thesubtropical mountain forests.He added: However, duringthe breeding season, when themales sing their characteristic,high-pitched song, whichdoesnt resemble any othercontinental Asian bird song, itcan sometimes be seen sittingon a branch inside a bush.

According to Alstrom, the birdhad been previously

overlooked because itresembles wrens and wren-

babblers. He explained:This similarity is apparentlyeither due to pure chanceor to convergent evolution,

which may result in similarappearances in unrelatedspecies that live in similarenvironments - some wren-

babblers can be neighboursto theElachura. Researchers

were able to identify thespecies by analysing the

molecular differences in theDNA of Elachura, whichrevealed their evolutionaryheritage.

Previously, this method wasused to probe evolutionarypatterns in neotropical birdsthrough DNA barcodes, whichcompared Argentinian birdsand their patterns of geneticdiversity to those of North

American birds26.

+ 1ONE NEW BIRD SPECIES

WAS DISCOVERED IN THEEASTERN HIMALAYAS

RamkiSreenivasanConservationIndia

Distribution of the new species(Elachura formosa)


III In the past it was included in the babbler genus Spelaeornisas S. formosus, but molecular phylogenecstudies in 2014 proved that it should be classied as a new species altogether.


23/44

There have been 10 new amphibiandiscoveries in the Eastern Himalayasover the past 6 years. All ten form adiverse chorus of frogs from a rangeof habitats.

A new species ofLeptobrachiumwas discovered during this period.Among the 27 species ofLeptobrachiumthere is aremarkable variety of eyecolouration. In many species, thelower two-thirds of the eye is darklycoloured, while the upper third is a

bright, contrasting colour, such asyellow, scarlet, blue or pale green.

Sanjay Sondhi of the natureconservation Titli Trust and

Annemarie Ohler of the MusumNational dHistoire Naturelle inParis recently describedL. bompu,a new species from India that hasa striking greyish-blue iris with a

vertically oriented black pupil27.

L. bompuhas black bands on its

limbs, feet, digits and upper lip,as well as irregular dark markingson its dorsal surface. Additionally,its skin is distinctly wrinkled. Thegenus was once divided into speciesthat have horny spines on the upperlip and those that, likeL. bompu,do not. Recent studies, however,indicate that neither of these groupsshares a unique ancestor.

Arunachal Pradesh, where the new

Indian species was discovered, isthe second most heavily forestedstate in India. It has a good dealof intact habitat, with more than80% of its land mass forested, steeptopology, and marked gradients inprecipitation. Like neighbouringareas, this landscape (the Eaglenest

wildlife sanctuary) remains poorlystudied for most taxa, including itsherpetofauna,and is certain tocontinue to yield surprising newspecies. In fact, the rst new birdspecies found in India in more than50 years was discovered here just afew years ago, and a new macaquespecies of monkey.

The species measures about 47mm,was discovered during heavy rains inthe Eaglenest wildlife sanctuary nearthe Bampu campsite, after which it isnamed. The little frogs were locatedunder leaf litter along a stream at analtitude of about 2,000m. They wereheard calling near the stream for adistance of only 150m up- and

downstream. The frogs were docile,found sitting in a crouched positionand easily picked up. Whendisturbed their crawling behaviour

was laborious. The males are eagersingers, with a loud croaking kek-kek-kek-kek call, which continuedeven after they had been capturedand placed in a bag28.

A strikingblue-eyed frog(LEPTOBRACHIUM BOMPU)

ARUNACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

ChintanSheth




24/44

The first endemic fishspecies to Bhutan(PARACHILOGLANIS BHUTANENSIS)

- BHUTAN

D.B.Gurung

Bhutan is critical for the freshwaterof the region as many of the riversstart in the kingdom. During a recentcollaborative research project ofdocumenting sh diversity in thecountry, researchers from the Collegeof Natural Resources (CNR), Bhutanand Saint Louis University, USA,discovered a new species oftorrent catsh from Khalingchhu inthe eastern part of Bhutan29,30. It isthe rst endemic sh species toBhutan, found nowhere else in the

world according to Professor Dr.Dhan Bahadur Gurung, one of the

leading scientists. The sh was namedParachiloglanis bhutanensisin honorof the country in which it is endemicto.

The common name, Khaling TorrentCatsh is in reference to the villageof Khaling, through which ows thestream where it was discovered. Theresearchers discovered the catshabout 1 km east of the village ofKhaling.

The endemic sh has at body with

broad, blunt and rounded head, risingat roughly a 45-degree angle fromsnout to point vertical with eye. Thesh measures 101mm from the tip ofsnout to the end of tail. Researchersalso recorded the sh as having otherfeatures such as thick and leatheryns. The ventral view of the mouthand snout resembles the shape of ahammer or bell, one of the body partsthat makes it an interesting sh. Sucha shape is due to the posterior ap oftissue connecting maxillary barbel tomouth.

The newly discovered endemic sh isknown from Khalingchhu stream andan adjacent, unnamed stream in theheadwaters of the Dangmechhu River,in the Brahmaputra drainage.

Like its sibling species, the newlydiscovered sh is known to adhere tothe bottom side of boulders,favouring areas of cascades and white

water rather than pools. They wereassociated with large rocks with deepundercut areas versus rocks with onlysmall refuge from the current, writesthe researchers. They also describedthe two streams in which they werefound as having clear, cold-water,sourced from mountain springs,precipitation runoff, and snowmelt.

The streams are found to have little

algal growth and frequent high-owevents. This species is adapted toa high-velocity environment withadhesive striations on the leading raysof the paired ns for clinging to rocksand an inferior mouth adapted forscraping algae and invertebrates fromthe substrate.

They described the discovery as veryimportant milestone in conservingsh diversity of Bhutan. They pointedout that due to its small range and lowdensity, as well as the highly

stochastic and increasing nature ofoods and droughts in streams of thisregion,P. bhutanensismay be aspecies of conservation concern.

With the new discovery, the numberof sh diversity recorded in Bhutanhas increased to 93 species fromthe previous record of 52. With fewmore unidentied taxa, which are

yet to be determined, the diversityof shes found in Bhutan will exceed100. However, climate change and anumber of major hydropower projects

being developed around country willhave direct impact on the shdiversity and its population structure.

D.B.Gurung

The Khalingchhu stream - location of the discoveryin Bhutan

Parachiloglanis bhutanensis




25/44

The catch of a lifetime

In early 2014, Professor Dr. Dhan Bahadur Gurungand his colleague Ryan Thoni from the Saint LouisUniversity, USA were travelling to East Bhutan todocument the countrys rich sh biodiversity. Little didthey know that they would end up discovering a newsh species in a small stream in Khaling village underTrashigang district.

We saw this small Khalingchhu river and decidedto check its aquatic diversity, said Dr. Gurung, who

works as a professor and dean of academic affairs

at Bhutans College of Natural Resources (CNR) inLobesa.

We took out our equipment and got into the waterand within 30 minutes, we spotted a catsh that wasclearly unlike any other species of its kind, said Dr.Gurung adding that their unique discovery wasconrmed within a week.

He said that usually torrent catsh were found inlower altitudes. So, discovering a new species oftorrent catsh at a high altitude was beyond their

wildest dreams. The new species is endemic to Bhutan,which means that it is not found anywhere else in theworld.

Dr. Gurung and his team named the catsh asParachiloglanis bhutanensisin honour of the country.This is an exciting nd and further adds to the richoral and faunal diversity of Bhutan and the wholeEastern Himalayas, he said

But these habitats and the rich diversity are undergrowing threat, according to Dr. Gurung. The regionsrich terrestrial and aquatic habitats are underincreasing threat due to impacts of climate change andrapid development activities such as hydropower andother construction projects.

Discovery of these new species reafrms the need

to strengthen conservation of freshwater ecosystemsand maintain connectivity to sustainably manage ourunique diversity, said Dr. Gurung.

Dr. Gurung emphasized the need for protect Bhutansrich aquatic diversity especially with his team stillcondent about nding ve to seven more new shspecies in the country. We have already submitted thesamples for peer review and to identify the category,he said.

Dr. Dan Bahadur Gurung has been a biologist for over30 years. He started extensive research on freshwaterecosystems and sh diversity from 2012.


D.B.G

urung


26/44

Scientists recently encountered a newcharismatic frog in the remote forestsof the northeast Indian states of

Arunachal Pradesh.Megophrysancrae35, is a so-called hornedfrog although its horns are in factelongated upper eyebrows.

Megophrysare one of nine generacurrently in the Megophryidae(commonly known as the litter frogs)family of frogs. These frogs are nativeto the warm southeast of Asia, fromthe Himalayan foothills eastwards,south to Indonesia and the GreaterSunda Islands in Maritime Southeast

Asia, and extending to the Philippines.As of 2014 it encompasses 180 speciesof frogs divided across nine genera.

These frogs are notable for theircamouage, especially those that livein forests, which often look like deadleaves. The camouage is accurateto the point of some having skinfolds that look like leaf veins, and thehorned frogs have sharp projectionsextending past the eye and nose,

which disguise the frog shape andconfuse would-be predators.

Megophryids range in size from 2 to12.5 cm in length. The adults tongues

are noticeably paddle-shaped. Theirtadpoles can be found in a varietyof waters, but especially ponds andstreams. The tadpoles are extremelydiverse in form because of the varietyof habitats they inhabit.

The natural habitats of the species isIts natural habitats are subtropical ortropical moist montane forests andrivers.

The new species is known fromlow and mid elevations within twolarge protected forests in ArunachalPradesh. Scientists say that theamphibian fauna of the area has beenpoorly studied to date. Specically,the species was identied in Deban,

Namdapha National Park and TigerReserve, Changlang district,Arunachal Pradesh state, northeastIndia. Known only from this area nearthe Myanmar border at elevationsof 330 to 790 m. The importanceof this protected area as an area ofknown high amphibian endemicity isemphasized by the small proportionof its land area afforded governmentprotection, raising concerns about thefuture conservation of its species.

A rare endemichorned frog(MEGOPHRYS ANCRAE)

ARUNACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

MuseumofResearchInstituteforAquaculture,V

ietnam




27/44

Critically endangeredmonkey has no nose(RHINOPITHECUS STRYKERI)

- FAR NORTH MYANMAR

The Eastern Himalayas has tigers, rhinos, elephants, snow leopards, cloudedleopards, and other iconic Asian mammals. Furthermore, recent researchsuggests that 50% of small mammal diversity in the region has yet to bediscovered31.

Very few mammal species are discovered each year, especially not largemammals. However over the last few years a biological expedition in thisglobal biodiversity hotspot resulted in the discovery of a new sneezingmonkey32.

The remote Eastern Himalayan region of the far north Myanmar, with itsrugged mountains and extensive forest cover, is one of the regions last truly

wild places, and the location of one highly signicant and exciting largemammal nds in recent years.

The local people of Myanmar know it well. Scientists rst learned ofSnubby - as they nicknamed the species - from hunters in Myanmarsforested, remote, and mountainous (Himalayan) Kachin state in early 2010.Locals claim that the black and white monkey is very easy to nd when it israining because the monkeys often get rainwater in their upturned nosescausing them to sneeze. To avoid this evolutionary inconvenience,snub-nosed monkeys spend rainy days sitting with their heads tucked

between their knees.

Only recently encountered by a team of conservationists from Fauna & FloraInternational (FFI) and People Resources and Conservation Foundation(PRCF), little is known about the monkeys behaviour in the wild, itsdistribution range, or its value to local communities. Not surprisingly, thisspecies is likely to be classied as critically endangered due to its restricted

range and signicant hunting pressures. The illustration below is the onlyrepresentation of a scientically observed specimen to this date.

Researchers working in Northern Myanmar have recently made the rstphotographs of the recently discovered Myanmar snub-nosed monkey33.

A joint team from FFI, Biodiversity And Nature Conservation Association(BANCA) and People Resources and PRCF, caught the monkey oncamera traps placed in the high, forested mountains of Kachin state

bordering China.

As with most of Asias rare mammals, the snub-nosed monkeys arethreatened by habitat loss and hunting.

In 2011, a population was discovered in Lushui County, Yunnan, China34.

+ 1 in 2010ONE NEW MAMMALSPECIES WERE DISCOVERED

IN THE EASTERN HIMALAYAS






28/44

DRACULAFISH(DANIONELLA DRACULA)- FAR NORTH MYANMAR

Fish represent the largestgroup of vertebrates and

while the majority of share found in oceans almostas many can be found infreshwater habitats. Thesespecies are often uniqueto the habitats in whichthey are found. Each areaof freshwater is effectivelyan island cut off by landall around it, so creaturesthat these are home to livehere and often nowhereelse. Therefore because

of the conditions they arefound in new sh nds areexceptional.

Scientists continue tostrive to explore the poorlystudied or understood shfauna of the EasternHimalayas.

As a result of ambitiousexpeditions undertaken byscientists, in area rangingfrom Himalayan mountains

to subtropical lowlands andfrom east to westthroughout the region,scientists have described26 different species of sh

between 2009 to 2014.The new sh highlighted

by surveys and laboratorystudies in the worlds

institutions have addedto our knowledge of thedistribution and ecologyof shes in the importantenvironments of South Asiaand include a number ofnew characters.

The worlds largestcontinent is home to a

wealth of aquatic animals.Among them are some ofthe most unique freshwatersh on the planet.

Discovered in a smallstream in the EasternHimalayan region of farnorth Myanmar, theDracula minnow(Danionella dracula)is oneof the most unique newlydescribed species of 200938.There is one fundamentaldifference between thisspecies and its brethrenin the Danionella genus:the presence of fangs

yes, fangs! - at the front

of each jaw. Although theevolutionary cause of theseaggressive-looking pointedteeth is unknown, theyappear to be part of theskeleton of sh in thisspecies. The species is alsoextraordinary for beinglargely translucent and

miniature with a maximumlength of 16.7mm long.

The species was aptlynamed Dracula, after thefanged Count Dracula inBram Stokers novel. Muchabout this unique species isstill unknown, including itsfull range and endangeredstatus. Despite the factthat it was found in highnumbers in a small stream,it is yet hard to distinguish

whether this unique species

is endemic to a singleecosystem withinMyanmar, or spreadthroughout the region as a

whole.

Danionella dracula wasawarded the accolade asone of The Top 10 NewSpecies described in 2009

by The InternationalInstitute for SpeciesExploration at ArizonaState University and an

international committee oftaxonomists39.

This unique discoverycertainly establishes theEastern Himalayas as oneof the frontiers for newspecies discoveries of thiskind on our planet.

+ 26TWENTY-SIX NEW FISH

SPECIES WERE DISCOVEREDIN THE EASTERN HIMALAYAS




29/44

NaturalHistoryMuseum,London


30/44

R.Gogoi&S.Borah.

In 2013 it was reported that a team ofthe Arunachal Pradesh RegionalCentre of the Botanical Survey ofIndia (BSI) discovered six new plantspecies in the northeast of thecountry. Three of the species werenew wild bananas, while one of theother three species is that of a wild

balsam and the other two are ofColocasia40. The discovery of thesethree banana species has raised thenumber of banana species to 23 inIndia and to 73 in the world. The newColocasia species, have increasedknown numbers to 16.

The team was led by Dr Rajiv Gogoi.The wild balsam (a relative of theDemdeuka) discovered by Dr Gogoiand Dr Souravjyoti Borah in the Lohitdistrict of Arunachal Pradesh has

been namedImpatiens lohitensis. Thesecond species discovered by the teamis that of a wild banana, which has

been named Musa markkui, afterrenowned banana scientist Markku

R.Gogoi&S.Borah

Musa markkui

Impatiens lohitensis

Hkkinen. A third new species wasnamedMusa puspanjaliaeafter DrGogois mother.

Again in December, 2012, Dr Gogoidiscovered in West Kameng districtanother wild banana and named it

Musa kamengensisR. Gogoi & M.Hkkinen.

The discovery of these plant specieshas once again proved the ecologicalimportance for this region of theEastern Himalayas (NE India), one ofthe biodiversity hotspots of the world.In this age of climate change the

phenomenon that has caused muchtrepidation among theenvironmentalists. The discovery ofsix species has once again proved the

vast biodiversity stock of northeastIndia. But rapid urbanisation,construction of major roads and otherdevelopmental activities are posingserious threats to such rare species41.

A Survey of India- exploration yieldsnew bananas and

impatiens in theEastern Himalayas

(ARUNACHAL, PRADESH, INDIA)




31/44

The hiss of a newserpent emanates fromthe labyrinthineHimalayas

A new pitviper emblazzenedwith an ornate yellow, redand orange pattern, at rstglance looks like a carefullycrafted piece of jewellery.Despite its dazzlingappearance, this bejeweledreptile has only beendiscovered in the EasternHimalayas in the past few

years.

The Himalayan lance-headed pit viper(Protobothropshimalayansus) as it has

been named is believedto be a new addition tothe Asian pitviper genusTrimeresurus36. This groupof snakes predominatelyinhabit trees and haveprehensile tails. Their dietincludes rodents, lizards,

amphibians and birds, butsome have been observedfeasting on fellow pitvipers.Their venom is toxic tohumans and the toxicityof this varies among the

different pitviper species.Some 35 species have beenrecognized to date acrossSouth and Southeast Asia.

The new species differsfrom other species its genus

by having a relatively largebody 1.5m long.; relativelylarge body size (total lengthup to 1510 mm); dorsalhead uniform dark brown,laterally a reddish-brownobscure postocular streak.

All these physical traits

differentiate the snake fromits congeners.

The handsome new specieshas a striking pattern of

bands along the length ofits body; dorsum of trunkand tail olive, with distinct

black edged red browntransverse bands across the

body and tail; and eye frombright brown and reddishbrown to mildly brown.

It was found in locationsin Jilong County, southernTibet, and Chungthang,northern Sikkim, India,

with the new species alsobeing observed in the Haa

Valley in western Bhutan.A further elusive species ofpitviper is still awaitingofcial scienticdescription. Found in SangoPapum Pare, ArunachalPradesh, India37. B.B.Bhatt, from the stateForest Institute, who hasdocumented 76 of the 140species of snakes found in

Arunachal Pradesh, said themost striking feature of thenewly-found species was itsegg-producing capacity.

It can lay a clutch of 20 to30 eggs a phenomenonhitherto unknown toscientists. Scientists haveencountered individualsthat chose death by killingthemselves by using theirown fangs, much to thesurprise of Bhatt who has

been watching reptilebehaviour since 2000 in theforests of the Northeast andnorth India. This behavior

might be isolated to thestar-crossed lovers, a maleand female, that scientistsdisturbed.

+ 1ONE NEW REPTILEWAS DISCOVERED IN THE

EASTERN HIMALAYAS

LiangZhang

A bejeweled lance-headed pit viper(PROTOBOTHROPS HIMALAYANSUS) -

TIBET, NORTHER SIKKIM,INDIA, WESTERN BHUTAN




32/44

5.0 Threats tothe Himalayas


Climate Change -Already experiencingmore extreme oods, droughts andstorms as a result of shifting weatherpatterns.

Illegal logging, habitat loss and

fragmentation

Rapid infrastructure development

Only 25% of the original habitats in the Eastern Himalayas remain intact42. Thenatural landscape of the region is currently facing a wide range of threats andpressures, with climate change assessed as by far the most serious, followed bymining, oil and gas projects, road construction and construction of new dams.

Invasive species, impact of tourism, water pollution, and illegal hunting, shing,dams and logging are also among the most serious current issues.

Climate change will profoundly affect the Eastern Himalayan regions biodiversityand ecosystem services, and as a result the millions of people who depend on them.The region is already experiencing more extreme oods, droughts, and storms as aresult of shifting weather patterns. As the impacts of climate change increase, freeecosystem services including food, timber and nontimber forest products, water,pharmaceuticals, energy (hydropower, biomass fuels), carbon sequestration andclimate regulation, purication of water and air, may be affected adversely.

Furthermore, these threats extend to areas established to protect biodiversity.Sanctuaries set aside for elephants, big cats and other wildlife connected by carefullyconsidered and established corridors and of the regions natural world heritage sitesare facing signicant threat due to inadequate conservation or protection.

For the species that inhabit the Eastern Himalayas, increasing pressures mean thatas a result today more and more are ofcially becoming classied as vulnerable,endangered or critically endangered according to IUCN (International Union forConservation of Nature). For example, India is home to about 12% of the worldsendangered plant species. Other countries in the region have similar alarmingstatistics. A booming wild species trade industry means that Agarwood from thenortheast and rare herbs and plants from the Himalayan region are in demand withsmugglers who harvest and trade the species on the international markets43.

Among the important globally-threatened mammals are Asias three largestherbivores - the Asian elephant, the greater one-horned rhinoceros and the wild

water buffalo - and its largest carnivore, the tiger. The region is also home to snowleopard, Ganges river dolphin and several large birds such as vultures, adjutantstorks and hornbills.

Loss of biodiversity coupled with a lack of knowledge of species diversity (ie.Establishing and documenting what exists in the region) and full understanding ofthe value of natural capital deals a double blow for the future of the regions species.Of the estimated 12 million organisms believed to exist on Earth, only around2 million have been named scientically, and at least half of them are at risk of

becoming extinct within the remainder of the 21st century.

In Bhutan alone, there are an estimated 200,000 organisms, excluding bacteria, and so far only about 12,000 have beenidentied. Land use change and climate change are threatening to destroy species before they can be understood, so there isan urgent need to move quickly and understand all that is out there.

The human cost is also severe. The environment is the base for all human development, so while the impact on wildlife istaking its toll, the once plentiful resources and cultural treasures available to people have continued to decline. In the longterm, this will transform livelihoods, the availability of essential food and freshwater, and ultimately exacerbate poverty inthe region. Little will change unless environmental protection and development are mutually supportive.

In a bid to protect the regions rich diversity of ora and fauna, WWF is calling for signicant additional conservationmeasures to be introduced and implemented to preserve the habitats and extraordinary biodiversity of the region. WWF

believes that real progress can be made in tackling the pressing issues in the Eastern Himalayas, like global warming,deforestation, the illegal wildlife and timber trade and the need for sensitive infrastructure development. At the same time,good environmental management will help increase livelihood options and help secure food and freshwater availabilityfor millions of people throughout the region. This in turn, will address the poverty that underpins so many of the currentdemands on the landscape.


33/44

Malcolm

Williams

The distinctive fur pelt of the snow leopard on display


34/44

Klaas/dip

tera.info

Rainforest landscape in the shadow of the Eastern Himalayas. The region is blessed with an extraordinary level of diversity.


35/44

6.0 Solutions doexist

The ndings of this rep0rt raise important questions, not leastHow to navigate the daunting development challenges facingthe Eastern Himalayan region while committing to preservethe regions natural heritage? The Eastern Himalayas is at acrossroads. Governments can decide whether to follow the currentpath towards fragile economies that do not fully account forenvironmental impacts, or take an alternative path towards greener,more sustainable economic development.

The central importance of the regions shared natural resources cannot be overstated. The economic and social

development of the Eastern Himalayan region depends on the continued productivity of its inter-connectedecological systems. Only intact, healthy, and diverse natural ecosystems can provide resilience to ensuing climatechange while ensuring continued access to water, energy, food, commodities and livelihoods for over 300 millionpeople. One important step the governments of the region can take is to transition into a green economy.

The concept of a green economy is a model for sustainable development that takes into account the globaleconomic benets of biodiversity. It represents a major economic transformation and a paradigm shift in how

we think about sustainable economic development. It is already happening in the Eastern Himalayan region, butnot fast enough. Governments must step up their investments into green sectors, create the necessary nationalregulatory frameworks, and implement these via policies across the Eastern Himalayas. Only this can allow theregions countries to address complex, regional-scale issues like habitat loss and fragmentation, unsustainablenatural resource use, and climate change. Addressing these challenges requires stronger regional collaborationat the broader, ecosystem scale; countries cannot effectively solve these problems thinking only within their own

borders.

Regional collaboration needs high level political support. It also needs to be formalized through regionalagreements that are supported by integrated and effective policy coupled with investments. Such agreementsshould seek to bring countries closer together around a common vision for conservation and sustainable use of

biodiversity and natural resources. It should seek to achieve a balance between conserving what is unquestionablysome of the worlds most important biodiversity and ensuring that natural resources are used sustainably tosupport economic development.

WWF is actively involved in supporting the countries of the Eastern Himalayas progress towards a greeneconomies that value ecosystems and the services they provide to the millions of people in the region. Throughapproaches such as sustainable hydropower development, valuation of natural capital, landscape and speciesconservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainable nancing mechanisms, WWF will continue to developand support programmes in the region that help secure a brighter future for the regions biodiversity, including itsrich array of species those that we already know, and those still waiting to be discovered.


Preserve natural capitalrestore damaged ecosystem,halt the loss of habitats,signicantly expand protectedareas.

Sustainable economic developmentManage resources sustainably throughapproaches such as sustainable

hydropower development, valuationof natural capital, landscape andspecies conservation, climate changeadaptation, and sustainable nancingmechanisms.

To achieve a balancebetween conserving whatis unquestionably some ofthe worlds most important

biodiversity and ensuringthat natural resources areused sustainably to supporteconomic development.

Stronger regionalcollaboration at the

broader, ecosystemscale; and a common

vision for conservationand sustainable use of

biodiversity and naturalresources.


36/44

ChrisWalker

The changing geography of the Eastern Himalayas


37/44

New species from the Eastern Himalayas, 2009-2014Methodology

WWF has only included new discoveries that have been described in peer-reviewed scientic journals in thisreport. The new species were identied by scientists from a number of institutions around the world, includingmuseums, universities, government departments and non-governmental organisations. WWF was involved inthe discovery of some of the new nds. In addition, WWF assisted scientists from other institutions byorganising research permits, helping with logistics, and identifying research locations.

This report presents a list of new species. The list was informed by a variety of expeditions and data retrievedfrom ofcial and respected scientic databases, appendices, reports and peer-reviewed scientic journals. It

was then further informed and rened through correspondence and advice received directly from scientists thatdiscovered the species and further informed by experts in their elds.

The list is not an exhaustive record of new species found in the Eastern Himalayas between 2009 and 2014.Undoubtedly, some species will have been unintentionally overlooked. In addition, it should be noted that manyother species that may eventually turn out to be new to science will have been encountered and collected in theEastern Himalayas over the past six years. These species may currently be awaiting ofcial scientic recognition.For scientic credibility, these species have not been included in the list.

7.0 Appendix


SPECIES

Amomum sabuanum

Bambusa nairiana

Corydalis biora

Corydalis meyori

Cotoneaster hedegaardii

Cotoneaster milkedandaensis

Dendrocalamus manipureanus

Eria sikkimensis

Herminium hongdeyuanii

Ione kipgenii

Liparis langtangensis

Meconopsis bhutanica

Meconopsis lamjungensis

Pandanus martinianus

Aconitum bhutanobulbilliferum

Agrostis pendryi

Amischotolype dolichandra

Amomum carnosum

Amomum dampuianum

Amomum mizoramense

Amorphophallus bognerianus

Archidendron arunachalense

Archidendron nielsenianum

Asplenium lacinioides

Astragalus lobbichleri

Astragalus paroensis

Astragalus pseudorigidulus

Axyris mira

Bambusa dampaeana

Bambusa manipureana

Bambusa mizorameana

Begonia nuwakotensis

Begonia panchtharensis

Begonia shilendrae

Begonia taligera

Berberis karnaliensisBerberis pendryi

PLANTS SCIENTIST(S)V.P.Thomas, Nissar & U.Gupta

P.Kumari & P.Singh

Lidn, M.K.Pathak, Chowlu & B.Saikia

Lidn, R.Mili & B.Saikia

J.Fryer & B.Hylm

J.Fryer & B.Hylm

H.B.Naithani & N.S.Bisht

Bajrach. & K.K.Shrestha

Raskoti

Kishor, Chowlu & Vij

Raskoti & Ale

Tosh.Yoshida & Grey-Wilson

Tosh.Yoshida, H.Sun & Grey-Wilson

Nadaf & Zanan

Kadota

Paszko

Duist.

V.P.Thomas & M.Sabu

V.P.Thomas, M.Sabu & Lalramngh.

M.Sabu, V.P.Thomas & Vanchh.

Sivad. & Jaleel.

S.S.Dash & Sanjappa

S.S.Dash & Sanjappa

Fraser-Jenk., Pangtey & Khullar

Podlech

Podlech

Podlech

Sukhor.

H.B.Naithani, Garbyal & N.S.Bisht

H.B.Naithani & N.S.Bisht

H.B.Naithani

S.Rajbh.

S.Rajbh.

Rekha Morris & P.D.McMillan.

S.Rajbh.

Bh.AdhikariBh.Adhikari.

YEAR

2014

2009

2013

2013

2009

2009

2010

2009

2013

2012

2014

2012

2012

2012

2010

2014

2012

2012

2013

2013

2009

2011

2011

2011

2009

2010

2009

2011

2010

2010

2009

2010

2010

2012

2010

20122012

TERRITORY

Sikkim

Assam

Sikkim

Arunachal Pradesh

Nepal

Nepal

Assam

Sikkim

Nepal

Assam

Nepal

Bhutan

Nepal

Arunachal Pradesh

Bhutan

Nepal

Assam

Assam

Assam

Assam

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Sikkim

Nepal

Bhutan

Nepal

Nepal

Assam

Assam

Assam

Nepal

Nepal

Arunachal Pradesh

Nepal

NepalNepal


38/44

PLANTS SPECIESBerchemia jainiana

Bhutanthera mbriata

Blumea sonbhadrensis

Boehmeria listeri

Boehmeria manipurensis

Boesenbergia hamiltonii

Boesenbergia kingii

Bulbophyllum cherrapunjeense

Bulbophyllum manabendrae

Bulbophyllum nepalense

Capsicum assamicum

Carex sanjappae

Cephalostachyum mishimianum

Chrysosplenium arunachalense

Cleistanthus nokrensis

Codonopsis campanulata

Codonopsis refexa

Codonopsis vadsea

Colocasia boyceana

Colocasia dibangensis

Corydalis arcuata

Corydalis stenophylla

Cotoneaster bumthangensis

Cotoneaster encavei

Cotoneaster hicksii

Cotoneaster yalungensis

Crotalaria shuklae

Dactylicapnos arunachalensis

Dactylicapnos cordata

Dactylicapnos odontocarpa

Dactylicapnos platycarpa

Dendrobium sessanicum

Dendrobium tamenglongense

Dysphania bhutanica

Dysphania himalaica

Embelia arunachalensis

Epigeneium arunachalense

Eria gloensis

Gaultheria kamengiana

Hedychium nagamiense

Herpetospermum operculatum

Heteropanax dhruvii

Himalaiella lushaiensis

Impatiens badrinathii

Impatiens lohitensis

Impatiens recticalcarata

Iris ramsayi

Kobresia paramjitii

Kobresia vibhae

Larsenianthus arunachalensis

Larsenianthus assamensis

Leptopus nepalensis

Lindera sanjappae

Lindera varmae

Meconopsis autumnalis

Meconopsis bulbilifera

Meconopsis manasluensis

Murdannia assamicaMusa argentii

Musa arunachalensis

Musa cylindrica

Musa kamengensis

Musa markkui

Musa puspanjaliae

Neillia velutina

Neolitsea sanjappae

Neottia chandrae

Neottia confusa

Neottia dihangensis

Ornithochilus cacharensis

Panax sokpayensis

Panisea panchaseensis

Pedicularis yamazakiana

Pinus ravii

Poa hideaki-ohbae

Prunus gongshanensis

Prunus harae

Prunus singalilaensis

SCIENTIST(S)

Pusalkar & D.K.Singh

RaskotiS.Narain , Lata & Juhi Singh

Friis & Wilmot-Dear

Friis & Wilmot-Dear

Mood, S.Dey & L.M.Prince

Mood & L.M.Prince

Barbhuiya & D.Verma

D.K.Roy, Barbhuiya & Talukdar

Raskoti & Ale

J.Purkay. & Lok.Singh

M. Bhaumik & M. K. Pathak

H.B.Naithani

Bhaumik

B.Singh

HONG De-Yuan

HONG De-Yuan

S.S.Dash & A.A.Mao

Araceae. R. Gogoi & S. Borah

R. Gogoi & S. Borah,

M.K.Pathak, Chowlu, B.Saikia & Lidn

B.Saikia, Chowlu, M.K.Pathak & Lidn

J.Fryer & B.Hylm

J.Fryer & B.Hylm

J.Fryer & B.Hylm

J.Fryer & B.Hylm

A.P.Tiwari & A.A.Ansari

Lidn & M.K.Pathak

Lidn

Lidn

Lidn

Apang

Kishor, Y.N.Devi, H.B.Sharma, Tongbram & Vij

Sukhor.

Uotila

R.K.Choudhary, R.C.Srivast. & Arup K.Das

A.N.Rao

D. K. Agrawala and Paul Ormerod

S.Panda & Sanjappa

Sanoj, M.Sabu & V.P.Thomas

Pradheep, K.; Pandey, A.; Bhatt, K.C.; Nayar, E.R.

R. C. Srivastava,

Chen YS,

Pusalkar & D.K. Singh,

Gogoi & Borah

S.Akiyama

T.Hall & B.Mathew

Jana, H.J. Noltie, R.C. Srivast & Ambarish Mukherjee

Jana, R.C.Srivast & Manas Bhaumik

M.Sabu, Sanoj & Rajesh Kumar

S.Dey, Mood & S.Choudhury

B.Adhikari, R.P.Chaudhary & Ghimire

Bhaumik, M.K.Pathak & Chakrab.

M.K.Pathak, Bhaumik & Chakrab.

P.A.Egan

Tosh.Yoshida, H.Sun & Grey-WilsonP.A.Egan

Nampy & A.AncyGogoi & Borah

A.Joe, Sreejith & M.Sabu

A.Joe, Sreejith & M.Sabu

Gogoi & Hkkinen

Gogoi & Borah

Gogoi & Hkkinen

Pendry

M.K.Pathak, Bhaumik & Chakrab.

Raskoti, J.J.Wood & Ale

Bhaumik

Bhaumik

Barbhuiya, B.K.Dutta & Schuit.

Shiva K.Sharma & Pandit

Subedi

R.R.Mill

R.C.Srivast.

Rajbh.

J.Wen

H.Ohba & S.Akiyama

H.Ohba & S.Akiyama

YEAR

2009

2012

2008

2010

2010

2013

2013

2014

2014

2013

2012

2011

2014

2014

2014

2014

2014

2011

2013

2013

2013

2013

2009

2009

2009

2009

2014

2014

2010

2010

2010

2012

2013

2012

2013

2009

2010

2014

2009

2011

2014

2010

2014

2010

2013

2009

2013

2014

2014

2010

2010

2010

2009

2009

2011

2012

2011

20122014

2013

2014

2013

2013

2013

2010

2009

2012

2012

2012

2012

2009

2011

2011

2013

2013

2012

2010

2010

TERRITORY

Assam

Nepal

Himachal Pradesh

Bhutan / Sikkim

Assam

Assam

Sikkim / Assam

Assam

Assam

Nepal

Assam

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Assam

Nepal

Nepal

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Sikkim / Arunachal Pradesh

Bhutan

Nepal

Bhutan

Nepal

Uttar Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Nepal

Nepal

Bhutan

Arunachal Pradesh

Assam

Bhutan

Nepal

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Assam

Sikkim / Assam

Arunachal Pradesh

Assam

Nepal

Arunachal Pradesh

Nepal

Arunachal Pradesh

Sikkim

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Assam

Nepal

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Nepal

Nepal / Sikkim

Nepal

AssamArunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Assam

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Nepal

Arunachal Pradesh

Nepal

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Assam

Sikkim

Nepal / Sikkim / Assam

Nepal

Arunachal Pradesh

Nepal

Bhutan / Nepal

Bhutan

Nepal / Sikkim



39/44


PLANTS SPECIESPrunus taplejungnica

Prunus topkegolensis

Pternopetalum arunachalense

Rhododendron mechukae

Rhododendron titapuriense

Rhynchotechum gracile

Rubus hapoliensisSaxifraga assamensis

Sorbus karchungii

Sorbus sharmae

Strobilanthes borii

Strobilanthes parvifolia

Sunipia nepalensis

Thunbergia nepalensis

Toxicodendron bimannii

Vaccinium amakhangium

Zingiber kangleipakense

Zingiber meghalayense

Bittacus coheri

Eubasilissa sikkimensis

Kisaura golitarensis

Kisaura holiensis

Kisaura holzenthali

Kisaura morsei

Koponenius biramus

Koponenius unicornis

Lathrolestes lidae

Lathrolestes peisseli

Lathrolestes roerichi

Lepidostoma dirangense

Mycomya aix

Mycomya alticola

Mycomya banteng

Mycomya cissa

Mycomya ducula

Mycomya goral

Mycomya irena

Mycomya jeti

Mycomya kaa

Mycomya naja

Mycomya niltava

Mycomya pitta

Mycomya sachak

Mycomya sanar

Notodonta dedmazai

Owadaglaea dominiki

Owadaglaea kulmani

Owadaglaea michelleae

Pristosia glabella

Pristosia nepalensis

Pristosia similata

Pseudopostega brevicaudata

Rhyacophila kisszoltani

Rhyacophila sajadi

Rhyacophila steinmanni

Superodontella gladiatorUrodeta noreikai

Aborichthys cataracta

Aborichthys verticauda

Aborichthys waikhomi

Badis singenensis

Balitora eddsi

Barilius pectoralis

Channa andrao

Danio agrans

Danio tinwini

Danionella dracula

Danionella priapus

Devario anomalus

Garra arupi

Garra kalpangi,

Glyptothorax dikrongensis

Glyptothorax pantherinus

SCIENTIST(S)

H.Ohba & S.Akiyama

H.Ohba & S.AkiyamaBhaumik & P.Satyanar.

A.A.Mao & A.Paul

A.A.Mao, K.N.E.Cox & D.F.Chamb.

B.M.Anderson

G.D.Pal

Wadhwa

Rushforth

M.F.Watson, V.Manandhar & Rushforth

J.R.I.Wood

J.R.I.Wood

Raskoti & Ale

Bh.Adhikari & J.R.I.Wood

Barbhuiya

S.Panda & Sanjappa

Kishor & kornik.

Sushil K.Singh, Ram.Kumar & Mood

Wesley J. Bicha

Sajad H. Parey & Malkiat S. Saini

Manpreet Singh Pandher & Malkiat Singh Saini




Sergei I. Golovatch & Didier Vandenspiegel

Sergei I. Golovatch & Didier Vandenspiegel

Alexey V. Reshchikov



Malkiat S. Saini & Sajad H. Parey

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Rauno Visnen

Alexander Schintlmeister

Balzs Benedek , Robert Borth & Aidas Saldaitis



Joachim Schmidt & Matthias Hartmann



Jonas Rimantas Stonis , Andrius Remeikis &

Virginijus Sruoga

Otto Kiss

Malkiat S. Saini & Lakhwinder K.

Otto Kiss

Mikal Agolin, Cline Houssin & Louis Deharveng

Virginijus Sruoga & Jurate De Prins

Arunachalam, M., M. Raja, P. Malaiammal and

R.L. Mayden

Arunachalam, M., M. Raja, P. Malaiammal and

R.L. Mayden

Kosygin, L.

Geetakumari, K. and K. Kadu

Conway, K.W. and R.L. Mayden

Husain, A.

Britz, R.

Kullander, S.O.

Kullander, S.O. and F. Fang

Britz, Conway & Rber

Britz, R.

Conway, K.W., R.L. Mayden and K.L. Tang

Nebeshwar, K., W. Vishwanath and D.N. Das

Nebeshwar, K., K. Bagra and D.N. Das

Tamang, L. and S. Chaudhry

Anganthoibi, N. and W. Vishwamanath

YEAR

2010

20102013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2009

2010

2010

2009

2009

2011

2013

2013

2009

2013

2013

2011

2012

2014

2014

2014

2014

2014

2014

2011

2011

2011

2011

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2012

2012

2012

2009

2009

2009

2013

2013

2012

2013

2009

2013

2014

2014

2012

2011

2010

2012

2013

2012

2009

2009

2009

2009

2009

2012

2011

2013

TERRITORT

Nepal

NepalArunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Assam / Arunachal Pradesh / Assam

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Bhutan

Nepal

Assam

Arunachal Pradesh

Nepal

Nepal

Assam

Assam

Assam

Assam

TOTAL: 133

Nepal (Terai)

Lachung (Sikkim)

Sikkim

India (Uttarakhand)

India (Uttarakhand)

India (Uttarakhand)

Nepal/India

Nepal/India

Nepal

Nepal

Nepal

Arunachal Pradesh, India

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Nepal/Myanmar

Bhutan

Myanmar

Nepal

Myanmar

Nepal

Nepal

Nepal

Nepal

Nepal

Indian Himalayas

Nepal

NepalNepal

TOTAL: 39

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Nepal

Uttarakhand

West Bengal

Myanmar

Myanmar

Myanmar

West Bengal

West Bengal / Bangladesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

INVERTEBRATES

FISH


40/44

FISH


Oreichthys crenuchoides

Oreoglanis majusculus

Parachiloglanis bhutanensis

Pethia aurea

Physoschistura dikrongensis

Physoschistura yunnaniloides

Pseudolaguvia assula

Pseudolaguvia spicula

Schistura obliquofascia

Turcinoemacheilus himalaya

Amolops indoburmanensis

Leptobrachium bompu

Megophrys ancrae

Megophrys megacephala

Minervarya chilapata

Polypedates assamensis

Polypedates subansiriensis

Rhacophorus subansiriensis

Theloderma baibengensis

Protobothrops himalayanus

Elachura formosa (Spotted Wren-Babbler)

Rhinopithecus strykeri

Schfer, F.

Linth

Documents

wwf_lhi_species_report_oct_5.pdf