Cambodia's hidden caves yield 11 new species, from turquoise pit viper to flying geckos
TL;DR Summary
A survey of Cambodia’s karst limestone caves uncovered 11 species new to science, including a turquoise pit viper with a heat-detecting head organ, the ornate flying snake, several geckos (one named Gekko shiva), and other invertebrates, found across 64 caves on 10 karst hills between 2023 and 2025. Researchers warn that these isolated cave ecosystems are under threat from limestone quarrying, habitat loss, and overtourism, and call for protective status and continued conservation work.
- Pit viper, flying snake and geckos among new species uncovered in Cambodian caves CNN
- Secrets of the karst: new species found in Cambodia’s limestone caves – in pictures The Guardian
- Karst Biodiversity Report Fauna & Flora
- New species and rare wildlife found in Cambodia’s karst caves Khmer Times
- New geckos discovered in Battambang caves Khaosod English
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