PHNOM PENH, 21 November 2024 — In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, three slender gecko species have been identified in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, reinforcing the region’s status as a global biodiversity hotspot.
The discovery was announced by Wild Earth Allies, in collaboration with Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS). Of the three species, two are entirely new to science, while the third marks the first recorded presence of the species in Cambodia.
The findings were made by Neang Thy, Conservation Manager at Wild Earth Allies, and Dr. Bryan Stuart of NCMNS. Their work, published in the scientific journal Zootaxa, highlights the importance of preserving Cambodia’s ecosystems, which are among the most biodiverse in Southeast Asia.
Neang and Dr. Stuart identified the two new species, Hemiphyllodactylus bokor sp. nov. and Hemiphyllodactylus samkos sp. nov., using detailed morphological and genetic analyses. These species were discovered in two critical wildlife habitats: Preah Monivong Bokor National Park in Kampot province and Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary in Pursat province, located at opposite ends of the Cardamom Mountains.
Additionally, the researchers documented the presence of Hemiphyllodactylus typus in Preah Monivong Bokor National Park, marking its first recorded presence in Cambodia. The study noted that while both H. typus and H. bokor sp. nov. inhabit the park, their preferred elevations differ, with H. typus found at lower altitudes and H. bokor sp. nov. thriving in higher elevations.
“These discoveries mark a significant step forward in understanding Cambodia’s extraordinary biodiversity,” Neang said. “The newly identified species underscore the incredible richness of the Cardamom Mountains and emphasize the urgent need for ongoing research and conservation.”
Neang Thy, who has now contributed to the discovery of 31 species, collaborated with Dr. Stuart on another recent find: the Royal Cave Bent-toed Gecko (Cyrtodactylus regicavernicolus), also located in southern Cambodia.
Dr. Stuart commended Neang’s contributions, noting the distinctiveness of biodiversity within the Cardamom Mountains. “Thy’s fieldwork demonstrates that different parts of the Cardamom range are home to unique species,” Stuart said. “Protecting these areas is essential to conserving the region’s phenomenal biodiversity.”
The discoveries were made in partnership with the General Department of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environment, underscoring the collaborative efforts needed to protect Cambodia’s natural heritage.
These findings not only spotlight Cambodia’s ecological richness but also emphasize the role of research and conservation in safeguarding its unique wildlife for future generations.
