Dragon fish, chocolate-colored frog, ginger plants among new species found in Myanmar

YANGON, Myanmar – A dragon fish with intricate, maze-like markings on every scale, a toad with rough, chocolate-colored skin and elongated limbs, and a ginger plant are among more than two dozen new species of flora and fauna found in Myanmar since it emerged from a half-century of military rule and isolation three years ago.

The World Wildlife Fund said Thursday the discoveries by scientists highlight the need to invest in conservation as the biologically diverse country of 60 million revs up its economic engines and opens up to foreign investment.

It says the nation faces many of the pressures felt by its neighbours, from deforestation to wildlife trade.

The environmental group said 14 new plants, seven fish, four amphibians and one reptile were identified as new species in 2012 and 2013.