NAGOYA, Japan (AFP) – 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 Tuesday.
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 2009, according to the study.
The report was released on the sidelines of a United Nations 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.
Ranitomeya amazonica
"Ranitomeya amazonica", a frog with an incredible burst of flames on its head, and contrasting water-patterned legs. 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
Apistogramma baenschi,
'Apistogramma baenschi,' a new fish species is seen here. New 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
Ephebopus cyanognathus,
'Ephebopus cyanognathus,' a new spider species is seen here. New 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.
Nymphargus wileyi,
'Nymphargus wileyi,' a new frog species is seen here. New 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.
Anaconda boliviana,
'Anaconda boliviana (Eunectes beniensis),' a new snake species is seen here. New 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.
Anolis cuscoensis,
'Anolis cuscoensis,' a new lizard species is seen here. New 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.
Pyrilia aurantiocephala i,
'Pyrilia aurantiocephala i,' a new bird species is seen here. New 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.
Inia boliviensis, '' pictured in Bolivia
"Inia boliviensis," pictured in Bolivia. 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.
First new anaconda species identified
The first new anaconda species identified since 1936, the "Eunectes beniensis". 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.
View of deforested area
A view of a deforested area on the border of Xingu river in the Amazon rainforest, northern Brazil in 2005. Japan plans to give about 60 million dollars to help developing countries protect species and habitats at a UN conference on biodiversity it is hosting.
Photo provided by Conservation International
A Photo provided by Conservation International shows a newly discovered frog in Papua New Guinea. It was discovered during Conservation International's two Rapid Assessment Program surveys. The frog is a striking, yellow-spotted species that belongs to a group of frogs that lay their eggs on land or in the trees where they hatch directly into little froglets, and they have no tadpole stage
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