Scientists from Conservation International (CI), a US-based non-governmental conservation organization, and Disney found a vast array of exotic wildlife including plant and animal species previously unknown to science during a two-month expedition to little-known regions in the shadow of Mount Qomolangma.

The discoveries and observations, announced on Friday at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, included: a giant hornet so deadly, the locals call it the "Yak Killer," a beetle that buries birds and small rodents in subterranean crypts to feed its offspring, an endangered jumping mouse, and several new species of amphibians and insects.

The scientific journey into the mountains of Southwest China and Nepal also researched cultural beliefs related to the legend of the Yeti, a creature whose traditional role as "protector of the sacred" has been integral to conservation in the region.

Even though they faced rugged terrain and frigid temperatures not normally associated with new discoveries, the team of international and local scientists documented a significant number of new, rare and endangered species.

"The scientific journey during which we found so many new species in such a harsh environment, as well as documented several rare and endangered species, is good news for the two countries," said Dr Leeanne Alonso, the lead scientist of the expedition and vice-president of CI's Rapid Assessment Programme (RAP). "Local efforts by Tibetan communities through their 'Sacred Lands' are helping prevent these plants and animals from going extinct and demonstrate that cultural values can play an important role in conservation."

Highlights of the new species discovered by the team of biologists, botanists and other technical experts include:

A wingless grasshopper (Kingdonella) that can withstand extremely low temperatures and communicates by "gnashing" its teeth. The male in this group rides on the back of the female for quite a long time, often days, to prevent other males from mating with her.

The confirmation of a new beetle species (Nicrophorus investigator) that specializes in burying small bird and rodent carcasses into a subterranean crypt to feed their offspring.

A new sub-species of a small mammal known as the Qinghai vole (Microtus fuscus), which was also a new record for Sichuan Province.

Up to three new species of frogs, eight new species of insects, and 10 new species of ants.

Several potentially new species of plants.

Among the highlights of the rare and endangered species the team came across were the endangered Sichuan jumping mouse (Eozapus setchuanus); a katydid (Tettigonia chinensis) which has been seen only once since it was described in 1933; and two ancient plant species, including one that is an important source for cancer drugs (Taxus wallichiana). Adding an additional element of danger, the team was also forced to dodge the Giant Asian Hornet (Vespa mandarinia), which local villages have named the 'Yak Killer' for its deadly sting.

A select team from the mission also had the thrill of observing the world's only fully habituated troop of golden monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana), which is the region's largest living primate and China's No 2 flagship species after the giant panda.

The full results from the expedition will be shared with numerous entities, such as the Chinese Government, environmental organizations and scientists to develop conservation strategies to protect the unique species of the region.

During the two-month expedition, the team explored six different sites in the Mountains of Southwest China and Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspots.

The two biodiversity hotspots are among 34 regions worldwide where 75 per cent of the planet's most-threatened mammals, birds, and amphibians survive within habitat covering just 2.3 per cent of the Earth's surface. Fully 50 per cent of the Earth's vascular plants and 42 per cent of terrestrial vertebrates exist only in these 34 hotspots. Hotspots face extreme threats and have already lost at least 70 per cent of their original vegetation.

"Being part of the Mission Himalayas team has given us all a renewed sense of hope for conservation efforts in this region of the world," said expedition scientific team member Dr Anne Savage, senior conservation biologist at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

"Having seen how the 'Sacred Lands' project has integrated cultural needs and conservation priorities, resulting in the discovery of new species, and how golden monkeys which were severely threatened by poaching and habitat destruction are now thriving, it is clear that local communities, conservation organizations, and governmental agencies can work together to effect change and ensure the survival of species and habitat.

"The yeti isn't the only one who can protect the forest we all can!" said Savage.

The mountains of Southwest China and Nepal are facing great challenges from rapid social and economic development. In the former, road construction, which is causing habitat loss, is also bringing more tourists to the area, which in turn has created a market for wildlife products.

Joining CI, Disney, and Discovery were a number of local partners including the Sichuan Academy of Forestry, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Sichuan Provincial Forestry Bureau and The Mountain Institute in Nepal.

The Mission Himalayas expedition builds upon a decade-long relationship between CI and Disney to support biodiversity conservation. During that time, Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund and the Walt Disney Company Foundation have contributed to several CI initiatives including a Global Amphibian Assessment, the protection of Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains and a conservation project in Botswana.