Discovery of new species in Thailand

Discoveries reveal life's secrets
Apinya Wipatayotin Bangkok Post 14 Dec 10;

The discovery of new animal and plant species is proof that Thailand is a biodiversity-rich country and stresses the need for better preservation of these biological resources, scientists say.

Twenty-five animal and plant species have been discovered by scientists from Chulalongkorn University since 2007, and these were crucial steps in biodiversity studies in the country, said Chariya Lekprayoon, of the faculty of science and chief of the university's Science Museum Development Project.

These newly discovered species could lead to the development of new products such as medicines, Ms Chariya said.

"We need to educate the public about the importance of these living things so they will help protect biological resources," she said.

The 25 species have been put on display at Chamchuri Square on Rama IV Road until Thursday as part of International Year of Biodiversity celebrations.

Some discoveries have already been made public, such as the Shocking Pink Millipede (Desmoxytes purpurosea) found in 2007 in provinces connecting the North and Central Plains, while other new species have been confirmed by reliable science journals this year.

Among the new discoveries are a snail, a millipede and a grass plant.

The snail (Rhachistia conformalis) was found for the first time on trees in Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi. It could also be found in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani.

The millipede (Heptischius lactuca), was discovered in Mae Sot of Tak province, while Mnesithea thailandica is a grass species found in a rice field in RoiEt.

Somsak Panha, a leading scientist from Chulalongkorn University's department of biology, said Thailand's biodiversity was under threat from deforestation and global warming.

"The living things we have found are facing a natural imbalance. Loss of these species will eventually impact human beings because they are part of the life cycle," Mr Somsak said.

He called on Thai scientists to work harder on searching for new species to create better understanding about biodiversity.

"We have to work harder to fully read the biological map, which is very much associated with us. If we don't do it, experts from overseas will finally take the benefits from our resources," he said.