On December 16, WWF-Vietnam revealed the findings, noting that 106 of the newly identified species are endemic, meaning they cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Among the highlights are the brightly colored crocodile iguana, the gecko with leaf-shaped legs, and an orchid resembling a starfish.
This announcement is based on a comprehensive report that compiles the research of hundreds of scientists from universities, conservation organisations, and research institutes worldwide.
The report documents the discovery of 173 new species of vascular plants, 26 species of reptiles, 17 species of amphibians, 15 species of fish, and three species of mammals across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam./.
