A groundbreaking biodiversity survey conducted in a mangrove forest has unveiled a stunning array of wildlife residing in these vital yet threatened ecosystems.

The survey, carried out in the Peam Krasop sanctuary and the adjacent Koh Kapik Ramsar reserve in Cambodia, identified hundreds of species spanning various taxa, including bats, birds, fish, and insects. Among the documented residents were hairy-nosed otters, smooth-coated otters, large-spotted civets, long-tailed macaques, fishing cats, and a diverse array of bat species. The study was funded by the conservation organization Fauna & Flora International, and the findings have astounded biologists.

Stefanie Rog, the leader of the survey team, remarked, "We found 700 different species in these mangrove forests, but we suspect we have not even scratched the surface. If we could look at the area in even greater depth, we would find 10 times more, I am sure."

The comprehensive report, published on Sunday, sheds light on the rich biodiversity thriving within mangrove ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these invaluable habitats.