Scientists discovered New species in Cambodia’s rare rocky ecosystems

Scientists discovered 11 new species in the caves and rocky outcroppings of northern Cambodia’s Battambang and Stung Treng provinces. The findings were compiled into a new biodiversity report. Seven new species have already been formally described and another four are in the process.

To map the biodiversity in the nation’s karst ecosystems, dramatic landscapes of caves and large protruding rocks on both land and water that create isolated habitats, researchers surveyed 64 caves and 10 hills over the last three years.

Among the new species is a turquoise-colored pit viper which is still being formally described after it was spotted in Phnom Prampi, a protected natural heritage site, in July 2025. A terrestrial micro snail is a new species smaller than 2 millimeters (0.1 inches) wide and is the first of its genus recorded in Cambodia. And a dark orange millipede discovered in a cave was just one of three new species in its genus.