WILDLIFE Princess names 43 new species

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has bestowed names on 43 newly discovered plant and animal species, underscoring Thailand’s rich biological diversity and the importance of conservation — particularly in the Sarakam River basin, one of the few major tributaries in the Mekong system free from dam construction.

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

About half of the new species were discovered in this river basin.

The announcement was made at a press conference at Chulalongkorn University, where Somsak Panha, director of the Centre of Excellence on Biodiversity (CEB), said the princess has long played a key role in promoting biodiversity conservation through royal initiatives that foster knowledge, raise public awareness, and encourage young people to protect fragile ecosystems.

"She has been a constant source of inspiration and support for our work," Mr Somsak said.