Flying snake and pit viper found among new species in Cambodia caves

A multi-year survey of more than 60 limestone caves in Battambang province, Cambodia, documented multiple rare and previously unknown species, including a flying snake and a fluorescent-turquoise pit viper; the study ran from November 2023 to July 2025 and was led by Fauna & Flora Cambodia with the environment ministry.

Researchers discovered multiple rare and previously unknown animal species inside limestone caves in western Cambodia's Battambang province. The findings come from a biodiversity survey that explored more than 60 caves across 10 karst hills between November 2023 and July 2025. Teams entered narrow tunnels and isolated cave chambers to document plants and animals. The project was led by Fauna & Flora Cambodia in partnership with the country's ministry of environment and included biologists experienced in cave and karst ecosystems. Key findings: - The survey covered more than 60 limestone caves across 10 karst hills in Battambang province (November 2023–July 2025). - Researchers recorded a flying snake and a fluorescent-turquoise pit viper that the report described as a "spectacular new species" and noted is still being formally characterized; the pit viper was reported as highly venomous and possessing heat-sensitive pits. - Teams documented cryptically camouflaged leaf-toed geckos, vividly colored millipedes that the report described as likely poisonous, and other reptiles including a reticulated python. - Amphibians and lizards were also recorded, such as spot-legged tree frogs and technicolored agamid lizards commonly seen in the area. - Fauna & Flora Cambodia described karst hills as isolated "islands of habitat" with species found nowhere else, and noted these areas face threats from quarrying for cement, unmanaged tourism, wildfires, logging and hunting, with about 1% of karst land reported as legally protected globally. Summary: The discoveries highlight that Cambodia's karst caves contain isolated ecosystems that can produce species unique to single hills or caves, and the survey reported conservation advocacy as an explicit goal. Formal scientific description of the pit viper is ongoing, and the study reported broader protection of karst habitats as a priority. Undetermined at this time.