Story perspectives

New Species Discovered in Cambodia's Threatened Cave Ecosystems

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Fauna & Flora International (FFI) led a survey in Battambang, Cambodia, uncovering a turquoise pit viper, a flying snake, and several geckos in 64 caves from November 2023 to July 2025.
Researchers describe the karst landscape as isolated 'island laboratories' for evolution, highlighting unique cave ecosystems.
The team documented the globally threatened Sunda pangolin among the findings.
Conservationists warn that cement demand threatens these habitats and urge protection measures from the Cambodian government.

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Story summary

Fauna & Flora International (FFI) led a survey in Battambang, Cambodia, uncovering a turquoise pit viper, a flying snake, and several geckos in 64 caves from November 2023 to July 2025.
Researchers describe the karst landscape as isolated 'island laboratories' for evolution, highlighting unique cave ecosystems.
The team documented the globally threatened Sunda pangolin among the findings.
Conservationists warn that cement demand threatens these habitats and urge protection measures from the Cambodian government.