New Species Discovered in Cambodian Caves

On March 23, a team from the Wildlife Group, Fauna and Flora surveyed more than 60K's

across 10 hills in Battenbank Province, Western, Cambodia.

They discovered a stunning new pit viper from the Tri-Marisa-Rus genus, along with fresh

gecko species like one in the Gahaira group and the spotted.

Battenbank leaf-toed gecko, Dixineus-Knock-to-Vegas.

Researchers also identified four populations of the striped camping-poi, Ben-toed gecko,

as a new species, seer-told octopus camping poinsus.

Genetic tests might show these isolated groups are actually separate species.

They found that gecko Shiva, named after a Hindu god for the first time in Cambodia,

plus a colorful millipede called orthomorpha, Battenbankiancis.

This cast-landscape of limestone hills, sinkholes, and cave springs host unique wildlife, including

reticulated pythons over 7 meters long, brown tree frogs, and ornate flying snakes

that glide between trees.

Experts know Cambodia has fewer known Dixonious geckos than neighbors like Thailand and Vietnam,

hinting at hidden treasures.

The finds underscore the areas rich biodiversity, but isolation in these formations raises conservation

concerns.

Further studies will clarify how many distinct species exist.

These discoveries remind us how much remains unexplored in Cambodia's caves, urging

stronger protection for these fragile habitats.