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Where Worlds Collide
Hundreds of new species discovered in the fragile Eastern Himalayas
A new WWF report reveals more than 350 new species – such as a “flying frog” and a 100 million-year old gecko – that have been discovered in the Eastern Himalayas, a biological treasure trove now threatened by climate change. Read the press release.
The Eastern Himalayas – Where Worlds Collide details a decade of research by scientists from various organizations between 1998 and 2008. The Eastern Himalayas reaches across Bhutan and northeast India to the far north of Myanmar as well as Nepal and southern parts of the Tibet Autonomous Region (China).
The Eastern Himalayas - New Species Discoveries
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The species discovered include 244 plants, 16 amphibians, 16 reptiles, 14 fish, 2 birds, 2 mammals and at least 60 new invertebrates. This enormous biological diversity underscores the fragile nature of an environment at great risk from the impacts of climate change.
Bugun liochicla (Liocichla bugunorum)
© Ramana Athreya / WWF Nepal
Species spotlight
Bagun Liocichla (Liocichla bugunorum) is a striking, colorful Asian babbler discovered in India. The species was highly significant because the most recent new bird species reported from India was described more than half a century earlier in 1948. The species predominantly inhabits open-canopied hill forests with dense shrubs and small trees, and so far is known to be restricted a 500-acre area at altitudes between 6,500 and 7,700 feet.
Conservation challenges
The region's temperate forests, savannas and grasslands are under pressure from unsustainable harvesting of resources for firewood, food and timber. Intensive grazing and agricultural expansion are also growing threats along with the poaching of endangered plants and animals. Some underlying causes of these forces are social, and include a rapidly growing human population, poverty and migration. WWF is leveraging partnerships at all levels to achieve conservation results.
Protecting the Himalayas
WWF is working at all levels in the Eastern Himalayas to restore and protect ecological processes, reduce the human footprint, and support local economies. By working closely with the governments and people of Bhutan, Nepal and India, we continue to build on our landscape-wide conservation experiences. We are expanding our involvement with local communities by developing innovative approaches that balance environmental protection with economic development.
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 was identified in 1999. It is one of five new frog discoveries in the Indian state of Assam. Measuring only a few centimeters, this small frog has a giant pair of vivid golden eyes. Smith\'s litter frog was reportedly discovered in the Mayeng Hill Reserve Forest and Garbhanga Reserve Forest, Kamru District, Assam.','Milivoje Krvavac / WWF Nepal')){kind=link}
. Described as a new species in 2005, this was a significant discovery because at the time it was the first new monkey species identified anywhere in the world in more than a century. This macaque species is stocky in build and has a darker face than other closely related species. It is the highest-dwelling macaque in the world, occurring between 1,600m and 3,500m above sea level.','Anindya Sinha / WWF Nepal')){kind=link}
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 is endemic to the forest streams, ponds, and swamps adjacent to the Brahmaputra river in the subtropical rainforest of northern Assam, India. The species is striking, with a vibrant purple and orange pattern adorning the length of its body. Discovered in 2000, and measuring up to 40cm in length, the fish is carnivorous and predatory, eating a diet of smaller fish and invertebrates.','Anders Lindersson / WWF Nepal')){kind=link}
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 was discovered dwelling in forests and near streams at elevations of less than 500m high in Assam, India, including in the Garbhange Reserve Forest and in northern Myanmar. The black snake, with white bands, can grow to half a meter in length, and feeds mainly on geckos.','Pawar Samraat / WWF Nepal')){kind=link}
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. Officially discovered in 2002, Gumprecht\'s green pitviper is venomous and capable of growing to 130cm in length. Scientists predict that larger specimens exist. The species is known to occur around Putao, at altitudes above 400m in the far north of Myanmar. There are some striking differences between the males and females of this species; females reach a greater size, with a thin, white or whitish-blue streak on the head, and deep yellow eyes. Males are shorter, have a red stripe on the head, and bright red or deep red eyes.','Gernot Vogel / WWF Nepal')){kind=link}
. The bright green, red-footed tree frog was described in 2007. It is a \'flying frog\' because long webbed feet allow the species to glide when falling.','Totul Bortamuli / WWF Nepal')){kind=link}
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