The Mekong-Delta: Treasure chamber of nature
In the Mekong region in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Southern China there were found some new fauna and flora species in the last couple of years. Just in 2010, 208 new species were discovered. Previously never seen animals, such as the colourful gecko that spends its time in the waters and jungles of the Mekong Delta, or the bizarre Burma monkey, that protects his nasal cavity between its legs when it rains in order to protect his sensitive nose. And also new discovered flora species enriched the biodiversity of the region, such as many splendid orchids in new colours and shapes.
In the Mekong Delta, an area where there are still many new species to discover, explorers have discovered more than 1400 new species in the years between 1997 and 2009. According to WWF, however, this new fauna and flora species scattered along the 4500 km-long Mekong river are endangered species. Each year, 2.7 million hectares of jungle are converted into plantations, natural habitats succumbing to the human hand. Also through the upgrading of infrastructures and the growing number of villages the living space of the animals are quickly disappearing. Most of the animal species who are at home in this area are on the red list of the IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Therefore, it is utterly important that we protect these areas in order to preserve the beautiful landscape and the daily life of its inhabitants.
