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Unknown Species Discovered in Cambodian Caves
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Unknown Species Discovered in Cambodian Caves
A spectacular new species of pit viper (from the Trimeresurus genus) was found during the survey and is being described. These highly venomous snakes track down their warm-blooded prey using the heat-sensitive pits behind their nostrils.
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Unknown Species Discovered in Cambodian Caves
Four populations of the striped Kamping Poi bent-toed gecko were found and identified as a new species: Cyrtodactylus kampingpoiensis. Despite being described as one species, it is thought that, due to the isolation of the karst formations, these four populations are separate in evolutionary terms, and further genetic analyses may establish whether they are four different species rather than just one.
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A recent expedition to the karst outcrops of Battambang in western Cambodia uncovered several species previously unknown to science—including a strikingly colored pit viper—while underscoring the urgency of protecting these fragile ecosystems. These findings, announced by Fauna & Flora International and local authorities, have direct implications for tourism management, resource exploitation and the conservation of species at risk.
Exploration deep in the karst
During the survey, the team visited more than 60 caves spread across 10 karst hills. Accessing many of the underground systems required climbing forest-covered slopes and crawling through narrow crevices to interior chambers.
The investigation was coordinated by Fauna & Flora International together with the Cambodian Ministry of Environment and field specialists. The result: several new species and confirmation of populations of threatened animals in the cavity environment.
New species and notable observations
Among the discoveries are reptiles, invertebrates and more. The team documented animals endemic to the caves as well as occasional visitors.
- Foseta viper: A new species of the genus Trimeresurus was collected; Its scientific description is in progress. These snakes detect the heat of their prey through special organs behind the nostrils.
- Geckos: Six new geckos were identified, including Cyrtodactylus kampingpoiensiswith at least four isolated populations that could represent independent evolutionary units.
- Invertebrates: Two microsnails and two species of millipedes never described before were recorded.
- Other findings: Record of threatened species at the surface and cave entrances, such as the Sunda pangolin, Indochinese silver langur, long-tailed macaque and green peacock.
In addition, specimens of reticulated python were observed transiting through karst passages, illustrating the complex connectivity between caves and the surrounding jungle.
Why these hills are unique
The karst relief is formed when limestone rock is dissolved by rain and groundwater, creating steep landscapes, sinkholes, sinkholes and caverns. On a global scale, karst generates isolated microhabitats where evolution can produce species with extremely limited distribution.
In other regions these formations have given rise to emblematic places such as Ha Long Bay (Vietnam), the cenotes of Yucatán (Mexico) or Mammoth Cave (USA). In each karst fragment, fauna can follow its own evolutionary path, isolated from neighboring populations.
What the experts say
Biologist Lee Grismer, a member of the team, explained that each karst outcrop acts as a “natural laboratory” where similar evolutionary processes are repeated independently, giving rise to species found nowhere else.
Sothearen Thi, karst biodiversity coordinator at Fauna & Flora, warned that without sustainable management measures many species could disappear before being discovered and that is why collaboration with the Cambodian government is key to increasing the protection of these landscapes.
Conservation and management measures
In response to the findings, Fauna & Flora International recently launched guidelines for the conservation and responsible use of cave ecosystems in Cambodia.
The document adapts good international practices to the local context and proposes concrete actions to:
- Protect colonies of bats and other cave-dwelling species.
- Regulate guano collection in a sustainable way.
- Guide tourism development to minimize impacts.
- Integrate scientific research into territorial management plans.
These recommendations aim to balance conservation with human activities already taking place in the area, and provide a framework for local authorities and communities to make informed decisions.
Implications for the future
The new biological records reinforce the idea that many Southeast Asian karst systems remain underexplored and biologically valuable. Protecting them not only conserves unique species, but also sustains ecosystem services and scientific research opportunities.
If effective measures are not implemented, pressures for development, extraction and haphazard tourism could erase unique populations. Immediate action in management policies and the participation of local communities will be decisive for these natural “laboratories” to continue producing scientific surprises.
