Borneo’s Lost World: 52 new species
Posted by: Loren Coleman on December 18th, 2006
Glyptothorax exodon: Courtesy of Heok Hee Ng.
In some media accounts, it is being called another "lost world." In others, the "Heart of Borneo." Over 52 new species of plants and animals have been discovered there from July 2005 through September 2006.
"The more we look the more we find," said Stuart Chapman, WWF International coordinator for the study of the "Heart of Borneo," a 85,000-square-mile rain forest in the center of the island where several of the new species were found. "These discoveries reaffirm Borneo’s position as one of the most important centers of biodiversity in the world."
And.. .
The discoveries bring the total number of species newly identified on the island to more than 400 since 1996, according to WWF, known in North America as the World Wildlife Fund.
…Creatures discovered between July 2005 and September 2006 were six Siamese fighting fish, whose unique colors and markings distinguish them from close relatives, and a tree frog with bright green eyes.
[A new] catfish, which can be identified by its pretty color pattern, is named Glyptothorax exodon, a reference to the teeth that can be seen even when the its mouth is closed. The suction cups on its belly enable it to stick to smooth stones while facing the current of Indonesia’s turbulent Kapuas River system.
For more, see Associated Press, December 18, 2006, "WWF: 52 new species discovered on Borneo.”
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Loren Coleman no longer writes for Cryptomundo. His archived posts remain here at Cryptomundo.
Terrific news!
Who knows what else may be out there?
The limits of our vision are defined only by our willingness to see.
“The limits of our vision are defined only by our willingness to see.”
Great phrase, kittenz ~ may I quote it?
Nice to know that there’s still at least one place out there that hasn’t been totally destroyed by man’s greed and pollution. Could there be others?
Of course there are a few others. That’s why they keep finding ‘new’ species.
This definitely is positive news to be sure. With the discovery of all these new species it cannot be emphasized enough the importance of wildlife and habitat preservation. I just hope the people of Borneo realize the importance and neccessity of protecting these biological treasures that they have.
I wonder when they start looking for oil down there….
Quasi, you are a few decades behind that breaking news.
Oil has been part of the drama in that part of the world for years. Standard-Vacuum Oil Company, for example, was involved in explorations for oil in Indonesia (Borneo, Sumatra, etc.) since at least 1898. In my biography of oilman & cryptozoology expedition sponsor Tom Slick, I explored the backstory of how his contacts with people working for Standard operations in transporting oil were his way to try to discover more about the Sumatran rhinos and Orang Pendek.
You sure can quote me if you want to, fuzzy. I’m honored.
I’m really excited by all the recent news from Indonesia and southeastern Asia. I hope that measures will be taken to preserve the are a so that it can be fully studied. Already we have all these newly discovered species, even a “new” carnivore, and two newly discovered subspecies of big cats.
I can’t wait to see what turns up next!
Ahhh, that’s the stuff. Very exciting whenever there’s news like this. With all the deforestation, logging, habitat destruction and general exploitation of the natural world going on, it’s good to see that there are still mysteries and wonders left. That these little untouched patches of peace and discovery still exist out there always gives me hope for the planet.
The only bummer I can see here is, I’m sure I will be seeing them fighting fish in the pet stores before you know it.. I can see it now… NEW EXOTIC FIGHTING FISH… 25$ each… What a bummer… Anybody think I’m wrong…? Didn’t think so… It sure is to bad that as soon as we find something new we have to put it on display or try and make a $ off it..!!!
This is very positive information in the wake of the Baiji news. I agree intently with DARHOP that somebody will find a way to make a dollar or two off of this incredible discovery as is the nature of human kind. However in the infancy of this discovery, perhaps someone will recognize this “lost world” for what it is, a remarkable place, with wildlife as unseen anywhere, and preserve it.
And you know what? Putting those fish into the hands of avid aquarists is probably the one thing that will save them.
Wouldn’t you love to be one of the researchers in the field?
Chris.
Great news!
The neighbouring New Guinea island is another “Lost World”.
Does anybody have the latest on the expedition to find Ropen and Duah there? And the small sauropod too.
Tom Slick, from an oil exploration company. What a name most apt!