• Over 430 types of mammal species
• Over 800 reptiles and amphibian species
• Some 1,200 bird species
• Over 1,100 species of fish, including 4 of the world's top 10 largest freshwater fish
• At least 20,000 plant species

Over 2,216 new species have been found in the Greater Mekong since 1997 (that’s 2 species per week on average)!

The Greater Mekong’s natural resources cannot be taken for granted

Today, the Greater Mekong is under serious threat. Large-scale hydropower, rapid and poorly planned infrastructure development, climate change, wildlife trade and deforestation and are quickly undermining the region’s natural wonders and its ability to support its people.

► More about threats facing the Greater Mekong
► How is WWF addressing those threats?

From the Tibetan plateau to the Mekong Delta

The Mekong River connects six countries over 4,800 km, from its origins in China’s Tibetan-Qinghai plateau to the thriving Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, where it empties into the South China Sea.

This life-giving river holds 3 times more fish species per unit area than even the Amazon River, providing food security and livelihoods for at least 70 million people.

An estimated 2.6 million tonnes of fish are generated each year from its productive waters, making it the largest inland fishery in the world—up to 25% of the global freshwater catch.

► Find out more about the Mekong River

A home and food source for millions

People have been living in the Greater Mekong for more than 4,000 years. These lands are home to culturally diverse communities and more than 100 distinct indigenous groups.

Around 80% of the lower Mekong basin's over 60 million people depend directly on healthy natural systems such as rivers, forests and wetlands for their food security, livelihoods and customs.

► Find out more about the people living in the Greater Mekong