New monkey, fish species found in Himalayas

The WWF says 133 plants including orchids, 26 fish, 10 amphibians, one bird and a mammal have been discovered in the region. These have been discovered between 2009 and 2014.  

The conservation organisation has compiled a survey to raise awareness of the threats facing the sensitive eastern region. 

Scientists across Bhutan, northeast India, Nepal, northern Myanmar and southern Tibet, are said to be responsible for this finding. 

The species include what the WWF described as a blue-coloured "walking snakehead fish" which can breathe air, survive on land for four days and slither up to 400 metres (a quarter of a mile) on wet ground.

Others include an ornate red, yellow and orange pit viper that could pass for a piece of jewellery, a fresh-water "dracula" fish with fangs and three new types of bananas.

In the forests of northern Myanmar, scientists learnt in 2010 of a black and white monkey with an upturned nose that causes it to sneeze when it rains.

On rainy days they often sit with their heads tucked between their knees to avoid getting water in their snub noses.

The WWF has described the area  "unique treasure house" that is yet to be fully explored.  

(Photo via @wwf_uk)