Cambodia's karst caves reveal new species, including turquoise pit viper and flying snake

A survey of 64 caves in Battambang Province, Cambodia, uncovered several species new to science, including a turquoise pit viper, a flying snake, and multiple geckos, micro-snails, and millipedes. The discoveries occur in Cambodia's karst cave ecosystems, which are threatened by cement extraction, overtourism, hunting, logging, and wildfires. Researchers are seeking protective status for these habitats as much biodiversity remains undocumented due to challenging fieldwork and safety constraints during night searches.