Stunning turquoise viper among incredible finds in Cambodia’s previously unexplored Karst caves

Striking turquoise viper among incredible finds in Cambodia’s previously unexplored Karst caves. A number of newly described species, including a magnificent turquoise viper, have been unearthed in Cambodia’s unexplored limestone cave systems. The report reveals a previously unknown wealth of wildlife in karst landscapes in Battambang Province, where researchers discovered more than 60 caves in ten hills. Among the discoveries were many species completely new to science, including snakes, lizards, microsnails and centipedes. Among the most notable finds is the newly described turquoise viper from the genus Trimeresurus, known for its venom, triangular head, and heat-sensing ability used to detect prey. Several species of geckos have also been recorded, including the Camping Poi bent-toed gecko, which researchers believe may represent more than one different species due to the isolation of the caves. They also found the brightly colored, fancy flying snake. Although karst environments are still relatively unexplored, they are among the most biologically diverse habitats on Earth and often contain species found nowhere else, researchers say. The findings highlight the importance of karst ecosystems (landscapes of limestone hills and caves) that often act as isolated “islands” of evolution. Despite their ecological and cultural importance, karst habitats remain largely unprotected and face threats from quarrying, tourism, forest fires, logging and hunting.