New bird species discoveries in Cambodia

WWF released the report on World Environment Day, highlighting creatures both bizarre and beautiful. Among the 15 species highlighted is a new species of flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus laoensis), discovered based on a single animal collected from a bush meat market in Laos. With its distinctive red and white fur, the Laotian giant flying squirrel is also the first record of the genus from Southeast Asia.

In Cambodia, a new warbler was found hiding in plain sight in the capital Phnom Penh. The Cambodian Tailorbird (Orthotomus chaktomuk) was first spotted in 2009 during routine checks for avian flu. Subsequent tests — from the bird’s plumage to its song and genes — formally identified O. chaktomuk as a new species. 

“The species discoveries affirm the Greater Mekong as one of the world’s richest and most biodiverse regions,” said Dr Thomas Gray, Manager of WWF-Greater Mekong’s Species Programme. “If we’re to prevent these new species disappearing into extinction, and to keep alive the hope of finding other fascinating creatures in years to come, it’s critical that governments invest in conservation and green growth strategies.”

Cambodia White Shouldered Ibis

This landscape can offer what these rare birds need –
especially water pools in the forests © WWF-Cambodia

The White-shouldered Ibis occurs in lakes, pools, marshes and slow-flowing rivers in open lowland forest. It also inhabits sparsely wooded, dry or wet grasslands and wide rivers with sand and gravel bars.
Adults are typically 75–85 cm long, dark plumaged, with a distinctive pale collar which at close range appears bluish. The bald head is black, the legs are red, and it has a whitish patch on the inner forewing, which gives the bird its name.

Due to small population size and ongoing habitat loss through logging of lowland forests and drainage of wetlands for agriculture, the White-shouldered Ibis is evaluated as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The current world population was estimated to be less than 250, possibly as low as 49, although a 2009 survey of the species has counted 310 individuals.^[2] In 2010 a record 429 was found in Cambodia, of which more than 170 birds in Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary. This site is now the second most important place in the world for this species. With a known population of over 200ex western Siem Pang IBA is the first.

Reference:

White-shouldered Ibis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cambodia Kouprey

The Kouprey is a species of wild cattle endemic to Cambodia; its name is derived from Khmer and means Forest Ox. The Kouprey has probably always been rare, and the only significant scientific observation was made in 1957 when zoologist Charles Wharton studied and filmed the animal in the wild. Kouprey populations were heavily decimated by hunting and human disturbance, especially during the wars in Indochina, and no confirmed sightings have been made for several decades. The species is most likely extinct, but occasional skulls for sale in markets still keep some scientists hopeful. If Kouprey have indeed survived to this date, populations will be tiny and intensive conservation measures are needed to preserve their habitat.

The Kouprey (Bos sauveli) is an enigmatic ox endemic to Southeast Asia, listed as Critically Endangered, Possibly Extinct on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Kouprey is a national treasure in Cambodia, yet has been dubbed a “living fossil” since very few people have been fortunate enough to see this mysterious species. Kouprey were first identified as a new species in 1937, based on a calf brought to the Vincennes Zoo in Paris, mistakenly identified as a Banteng when it was captured in Cambodia. Unfortunately, during World War II, the zoo was neglected, and the first chance to study this fascinating animal was shattered. However, the discovery of this new sparked further interest and exploration in Southeast Asia. Scientists believe this animal’s geographic range once spanned parts of Cambodia, Viet Nam, Lao PDR and Thailand. However, the last documented Kouprey sighting was in 1957 in the Northern Plains of Cambodia, by American zoologist Charles Wharton. This expedition captured the first and last known video footage of Kouprey in the wild (see the video here). Over the last few decades, hope for the survival of this species has rapidly waned. Currently, Kouprey are Critically Endangered – Possibly Extinct, and will certainly go extinct in the near future unless effective action is taken immediately.

Any Kouprey that remain are likely to be in Cambodia, and are seriously threatened by hunters and the trade in wildlife parts. The species is also at risk from disease and the demographic and genetic problems associated with small populations. There are currently no Kouprey in captivity. Although there is widespread concern that Kouprey may already be extinct, the inaccessibility of the area and lack of surveys help hold some hope for its survival.

Kouprey status near Watphnom National Park, central of  Phnom Penh city

It was one of the best known zoological discoveries of the 20th century. Shrouded in mystery since its recognition as a new species in 1937, the kouprey -- an ox with dramatic, curving horns -- has been an icon of Southeast Asian conservation. Feared extinct, it's been the object of many expeditions to the region's jungles by adventurers, scientists and journalists.

In a paper published by the Journal of Zoology (London), Northwestern University biologists and a Cambodian conservationist present compelling genetic evidence that the kouprey may never have existed as a wild, natural species.

The scientists compared a DNA sequence from the kouprey with sequences taken from a Cambodian wild ox, the banteng. They had predicted, based on a study of kouprey anatomy, that the kouprey was a hybrid and would show mitochondrial DNA similar to that of the banteng. This prediction was confirmed by the analysis.

The kouprey, the national animal of Cambodia, may have originated as a domestic hybrid, between banteng and zebu cattle, that later became wild. (‘Kouprey’ means ‘forest ox’ in the Khmer language.)
‘The kouprey has acquired a rather romantic, exotic reputation,’ said Gary J. Galbreath, senior author of the paper and associate director of Northwestern's Program in Biological Sciences. ‘Some people would understandably be sad to see it dethroned as a species.’

But, added Galbreath, ‘It is surely desirable not to waste time and money trying to locate or conserve a domestic breed gone wild. The limited funds available for conservation should be used to protect wild species.’ Galbreath has been traveling to Southeast Asia studying its animals since 1999.

Ironically, Galbreath began his work in Southeast Asia hoping to identify a new species of bear. It turned out to be an undescribed golden colour phase of the moon bear. He also was involved in the debunking of another alleged new species of hoofed animal, the ‘khting vor,’ which was only known to science from specimens of its horns. Galbreath and others showed that these horns were the work of human artisans -- the ‘khting vor’ was a fake.

Instead of finding new species, Galbreath said, ‘I've been involved in showing that two named species of large mammal may never have existed.’ But, he notes, ‘In the end, good science is about what is true, not what we want to be true.’

Cambodia Giant Freshwater Stingray

Fish experts believe the giant stingray, such as this one in Cambodia's Mekong River, is the largest freshwater species on Earth. This specimen measured more than 13 feet (4 meters) long.

 The Cambodia giant freshwater stingray is one of the largest and heaviest freshwater fishes in the world. Only described by scientists in 1990, the giant freshwater stingray occurs in several river systems in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. While Australian populations – which generally average much smaller than those in Southeast Asia – appear to be stable, giant freshwater stingrays have been under serious decline in Thailand, where they are now listed as critically endangered. In Cambodia, not much is known about this species’ status in the Mekong River, and more research is needed to develop an effective species management plan. As a benthic feeder foraging on the river bottom, these stingrays are especially vulnerable to increasing siltation due to human activity as well as to isolation of reproductive subpopulations through construction of large-scale hydropower dams.

The giant stingray is also cloaked in mystery. No one is sure how many giant stingrays are left, which habitats they prefer, or even if they ever venture into the ocean, where their more commonly known relatives dwell.
These ancient fish, little changed over many millions of years, can reach 16.5 feet (5 meters) long and weigh up to 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms). They are brown to gray in color, wide and flat in form, and they sport a long, whiplike tail.
Stingray numbers appear to have dropped dramatically in recent years as their riverine habitats have degraded, and it appears they no longer inhabit some parts of their historical range. Large stingrays have been known to pull boats upstream and even underwater.
Though stingrays do not readily attack humans, they are one of the few megafishes that can pose a real danger to those who handle them. Each ray sports a deadly barb on the base of its tail that can easily penetrate human skin and even bone, much like a hunting arrow. This stinger can be as long as 15 inches (38 centimeters) and typically introduces toxins to the victim's wound.

See Reference Site 

.........................................................................

www.nationalgeographic.com