Eleven New Species Discovered in Cambodia's Caves, Including a Pit Viper

A multi-year expedition by conservation group Fauna & Flora has documented 11 previously unknown species in the limestone caves of Cambodia, the organization announced in a report covered widely in March 2026. The scientists, working alongside Cambodian researchers, surveyed about 60 caves across the country to map a biodiversity hotspot that had been largely unstudied.

Among the discoveries are a vividly patterned pit viper and Gekko shiva, a new gecko named in honor of the Hindu god. The list also includes new snails, spiders, crustaceans and a bent-toed gecko, many of them likely endemic to a single cave or small karst system. "These caves are like time capsules," said Pablo Sinovas, Fauna & Flora's Cambodia country director, who noted that isolation has allowed unique species to evolve in the dark, humid microclimates.

“The scientists, working alongside Cambodian researchers, surveyed about 60 caves across the country to map a biodiversity hotspot that had been largely unstudied.”

The survey was led by Cambodian herpetologists Phyroum Chourn and Sothearen Thi and combined standard field techniques with DNA analysis. The team says formally describing these species is the first step toward protecting the caves, which face pressure from limestone quarrying for cement and from unregulated tourism. Several of the caves are sacred to nearby communities, offering a promising basis for co-managed conservation.

Cambodia has been working with international partners to expand its network of protected areas, and the Fauna & Flora findings are expected to strengthen the case for new designations. Beyond the scientific value, the discoveries are a reminder that even in an era of biodiversity loss, much of the natural world remains unexplored — and that carefully planned science can still deliver genuinely good news.