New Gecko Species Discovered in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains
The discovery of three new gecko species emphasizes Cambodia’s biodiversity and the need for continued conservation efforts
A recent scientific breakthrough in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains has led to the identification of three gecko species, two of which are entirely new to science. The discovery, made by Wild Earth Allies in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS), underscores Cambodia’s status as one of Southeast Asia’s most biodiverse regions.
The new species, Hemiphyllodactylus bokor sp. nov and Hemiphyllodactylus samkos sp. nov., were found in Preah Monivong Bokor National Park in Kampot province and Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary in Pursat province. The third species, Hemiphyllodactylus typus, was discovered for the first time in Cambodia within Preah Monivong Bokor National Park.
The research, led by Neang Thy, Conservation Manager at Wild Earth Allies, and Dr. Bryan Stuart of NCMNS, highlights the significance of preserving Cambodia’s unique ecosystems. Their work, published in Zootaxa, used detailed morphological and genetic analyses to identify the species. While both H. typus and H. bokor sp. nov. were found in the same park, their habitats differ, with H. typus located at lower altitudes and H. bokor sp. nov. thriving at higher elevations.
“This discovery is a major step in understanding the biodiversity of the Cardamom Mountains and the vital need to protect these ecosystems,” said Neang Thy. The study also points to the region’s diverse habitats as a key factor in the presence of these unique species.
Neang Thy has contributed to the discovery of 31 species, including the recent finding of the Royal Cave Bent-toed Gecko, *Cyrtodactylus regicavernicolus*. Dr. Stuart praised Neang’s fieldwork, noting the Cardamom range’s distinct biodiversity. “Thy’s work highlights the uniqueness of this area, and it is essential to protect these habitats to ensure the survival of these species,” said Dr. Stuart.
The discoveries were made in cooperation with the General Department of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environment, reinforcing the importance of joint efforts in conserving Cambodia’s rich natural heritage.
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The new species, Hemiphyllodactylus bokor sp. nov and Hemiphyllodactylus samkos sp. nov., were found in Preah Monivong Bokor National Park in Kampot province and Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary in Pursat province. The third species, Hemiphyllodactylus typus, was discovered for the first time in Cambodia within Preah Monivong Bokor National Park.
The research, led by Neang Thy, Conservation Manager at Wild Earth Allies, and Dr. Bryan Stuart of NCMNS, highlights the significance of preserving Cambodia’s unique ecosystems. Their work, published in Zootaxa, used detailed morphological and genetic analyses to identify the species. While both H. typus and H. bokor sp. nov. were found in the same park, their habitats differ, with H. typus located at lower altitudes and H. bokor sp. nov. thriving at higher elevations.
“This discovery is a major step in understanding the biodiversity of the Cardamom Mountains and the vital need to protect these ecosystems,” said Neang Thy. The study also points to the region’s diverse habitats as a key factor in the presence of these unique species.
Neang Thy has contributed to the discovery of 31 species, including the recent finding of the Royal Cave Bent-toed Gecko, *Cyrtodactylus regicavernicolus*. Dr. Stuart praised Neang’s fieldwork, noting the Cardamom range’s distinct biodiversity. “Thy’s work highlights the uniqueness of this area, and it is essential to protect these habitats to ensure the survival of these species,” said Dr. Stuart.
The discoveries were made in cooperation with the General Department of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environment, reinforcing the importance of joint efforts in conserving Cambodia’s rich natural heritage.
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