The World Wildlife Fund has named 87 new species found in Vietnam, highlighting the country’s rich biodiversity.

The latest report titled Species Oddity reveals 163 new species of both animals and plants, found across Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Among the findings is a bat found in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.It features thick and woolly fur on its head and forearms.

In Laos, biologists found a snake dubbed ‘the Ziggy stardust’ for its rainbow coloured head.

A new species of newt found in Thailand has affectionately been called  the ‘Klingon’ newt, for its resemblance to the same warriors in Star Trek.

Many of the discoveries were made in the Greater Mekong Area which runs through South East Asia.

Scientists are hoping to conserve areas in the region from a spike in infrastructure development including dams and mines which may threaten the biodiversity.

– TiVi Tuan-san