Thais Discover New Species Of Stingray - Already On Edge Of Extinction

BANGKOK, Thailand — A new species of freshwater stingray has been discovered in a river in western Thailand, but its chances for long-term survival are slim, a report said Wednesday.

The stingray, measuring 60 centimeters (23.6 inches) in width, was first observed two years ago but was only recently described by Thai and American scientists, said a release from the World Wide Fund for Nature-Thailand.

"Local participatory conservation is urgently needed for the survival of this new stingray," the release said.

Thai rivers, including the Mae Klong River where the ray is found, have been plagued by serious pollution, overfishing and dam building which have taken a deadly toll on Thailand's once diverse and abundant river life. The ray is believed to exist in small numbers.

EDIT

http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=10253

as tonight's special dinner platter.

how many species will go extinct (and have already gone extinct) before we ever know they existed.

...at the end of "Last Chance to See", compared the work of naturalists today to librarians in a burning library, frantically trying to scribble down titles before the books were consumed by flames.