Spectacular species previously unknown to the outside world are being discovered in the Amazon rainforest at a rate of one every three days, environment group WWF said in a report published yesterday.
An anaconda as long as a limousine, a giant catfish that eats monkeys, a blue fanged spider and poisoned dart frogs are among the 1,220 animals and plants to have been found from 1999 to last year, according to the study.
The report was released on the sidelines of a UN summit in Japan that is being held to try to stem the mass extinction of species around the world, and the WWF said it highlighted why protecting the Amazon was so vital.
“This report clearly shows the incredible, amazing diversity of life in the Amazon,” Francisco Ruiz, head of WWF’s Living Amazon Initiative, told reporters at the launch.
“[But] this incredible region is under pressure because of the human presence. The landscape is being very quickly transformed,” he said.
Logging and clearing for agriculture uses have led to 17 percent of the Amazon being destroyed over the past 50 years, the WWF said.
The WWF compiled the findings reported by scientists over the 10-year period to highlight the extent of biodiversity loss.
One of the most amazing discoveries was a 4m anaconda in the flood plains of Bolivia’s Pando Province in 2002. It was the first new anaconda species identified since 1936, WWF said.
There were a total of 55 reptile species discovered, with others including two members of Elapidae — the most venomous snake family in the world.
A kaleidoscope of different colored frogs were also found, including 24 of the poison dart variety and one that was translucent.
Among the 257 types of fish discovered in the rivers and lakes of the Amazon was a “goliath” catfish.
One measured nearly 1.5m long and weighed 32kg.
Although the “goliath” catfish normally exists on a diet of other fish, some of them have been caught with parts of monkeys in their stomachs, WWF said.
Another species of catfish that was discovered in Brazil was extremely small, blind and red.
Villagers found the fish when they accidentally trapped them in buckets after hauling up water from a well.
At least 500 spiders were also discovered, including one that was completely brown except for a pair of almost fluorescent blue fangs.
Thirty-nine new mammals were also found, including a pink river dolphin, seven types of monkey and two porcupines.
Among the 637 new plant species discovered were sunflowers, ivy, lilies, a variety of pineapple and a custard apple.
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