A survey of fish in part of Venezuela has revealed 13 new species of fish including a stingray and a piranha.
According to a report from Reuters, a three-week study of the confluence of the Rio Orinoco and Rio Ventuari, an area of Venezuela exposed to pollution from the gold-mining industry, has revealed more than a dozen new fish species.
Around 245 fish species were identified. The finds include a new predatory piranha, a freshwater stingray, a miniature catfish and a new freshwater shrimp. "The region is still very pristine but we want to ensure protection before it's too late."Leeanne Alonso, director of Conservation International told Reuters: "There was a high diversity of life. The region is still very pristine but we want to ensure protection before it's too late. The main threat is gold-mining."
Alonso said that the gold-mining industry uses mercury to flush out gold and some fish studied had elevated levels of mercury in their flesh.
Many villagers have turned to mining for their income, Alonso told Reuters. She said that there is potential for the locals to gain an alternative, more environmentally-friendly income from ecotourism, fishing, wildlife watching or the aquarium trade.