New Animal Species Discovered in Cambodia’s Karst Caves
Cambodia’s largely unexplored karst landscapes are yielding a wealth of previously unknown animal species, according to recent findings by a team of zoologists. The discoveries highlight the rich biodiversity hidden within the country’s cave systems and underscore the importance of conservation efforts in the region.
In July 2025, scientists identified three new species of geckos while exploring a karst environment in the province of Battambang, near Phnom Proek. The rapid pace of discovery—three new species in a single night—demonstrates the potential for further breakthroughs in these unique ecosystems. The findings were announced on Monday, March 23, 2026.
“You can move into a cavity, collect anything, and you will probably discover something new. That’s the magic of karst ecosystems,” explained Pablo Sinovas, director of the NGO Fauna & Flora in Cambodia and a specialist in snakes. Karst landscapes, formed over millions of years by the erosion of rainwater, are characterized by numerous holes and a network of caves and tunnels.
These geological formations, such as the famous Halong Bay in Vietnam, often harbor unique biodiversity. Lee Grismer, a professor at the American University La Sierra and a gecko specialist, noted, “Species develop in these rocky environments.”
Researchers exploring the Phnom Proek karst massif, located in western Cambodia, have encountered a diverse range of creatures, including spiders the size of dinner plates and scorpions carrying their young. The team conducts its research at night, after bats emerge from the karst crevices to hunt. Specimens are photographed for documentation.
The karst regions are known to be rich in frogs, snakes, and geckos. Scientists, including Grismer, visited the border between Cambodia and Thailand in July 2025 to study the karst rocks with the long-term goal of raising public awareness about their protection. The development underscores the need for increased conservation efforts to protect these fragile and biodiverse ecosystems.
