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.
Credit: Chris Funk /World Wildlife Fund
Ranitomeya amazonica, a frog with an incredible burst of flames on its head, and contrasting water-patterned legs.
Credit: Chris Funk /World Wildlife Fund
Anaconda boliviana (Eunectes beniensis), the snake as long as a limousine, is the first new anaconda species identified since 1936.
Credit: Chris Funk /World Wildlife Fund
NAGOYA: An anaconda as long as a limousine, a monkey-eating catfish, a blue fanged spider and poisoned dart frogs are among the 1,220 species recently discovered in the Amazon.
Such spectacular species are being discovered in the Amazon rainforest at a rate of one every three days, according to environment group WWF.
A WWF 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.
10-year report highlights biodiversity
"This report clearly shows the incredible, amazing diversity of life in the Amazon," Francisco Ruiz, head of WWF's Living Amazon Initiative, said. "(But) this incredible region is under pressure because of the human presence. The landscape is being very quickly transformed."
Logging and clearing for agriculture uses such as cattle farming and palm oil plantations have led to 17% of the Amazon - an area twice the size of Spain - being destroyed over the past 50 years, according to the WWF.
The WWF compiled the findings reported by scientists over the 10-year period to highlight the extent of biodiversity loss that may be occurring without humans even knowing while the Amazon is being cleared.
First anaconda since 1936
"It serves as a reminder of how much we still have to learn about this unique region, and what we could lose if we don't change the way we think about development," Ruiz said.
One of the most amazing discoveries was a four-metre-long anaconda in the flood plains of Bolivia's Pando province in 2002.
It was the first new anaconda species identified since 1936, and became only the fourth known type of that reptile, according to the WWF.
Famed dart frog and goliath catfish
There were a total of 55 reptile species discovered, with others including two members of Elapidae -- the most venomous snake family in the world that includes cobras and taipans.
A kaleidoscope of different coloured frogs were also found, including 24 of the famed poison dart variety and one that was translucent.
