Giant Softshell Turtle Thought Extinct, New Species Of Corpse Flower Found In Cambodian Jungle

[hatrack]

Cantor’s Giant softshell turtle, thought to be extinct in Cambodia since 2003 has been rediscovered in a section of the Mekong River almost untouched by humans. The discovery was one of a raft of species new to the region, 24 in all, and a previously unknown “corpse plant”� notable for emitting an odour of decaying flesh.

The study area is home to a near-pristine region of tall riverine forests, waterways and island archipaelagos, and is described by scientists as including one of the last suitable freshwater habitat for the critically endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin.

The findings are the result of a series of surveys jointly conducted by WWF Cambodia, the Fisheries Administration (FiA) and Forestry Administration (FA) of the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) in 2006/7.

The most exciting area surveyed was a 55 kilometre stretch of river located in north-eastern Cambodia, referred to as the “Central Section”�, which is a sanctuary for many vulnerable fauna populations, 36 of which are listed as threatened under the IUCN Red List.

EDIT

http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/39097

[fascisthunter]

1. very cool... here's what they look like...

This Corpse Plant is an older variety, not the new one just discovered.

[xchrom]

2. ...

:applause:

[kristopher]

3. Nothing maintains my privacy better than my collection of corpse flowers... nt