A gecko species, Hemiphyllodactylus khpoh, discovered by Cambodian and international scientists in the Phnom Thmor Kambor Phnom Khpoh area of Battambang province’s Banan District, has been classified as a entirely new species.  

The specimen was spotted during a collaborative study by Fauna & Flora Cambodia, the Ministry of Environment staff and a group of expert herpetologists led by Californian institute La Sierra University, said a January 16 environment ministry statement.

“The species was later confirmed as a new species based on morphological and molecular data, as well as well as its isolation from other geckos in this genus,” the ministry stated.  

It added that as just one Hemiphyllodactylus khpoh was spotted during the survey, it is currently difficult to estimate the species’ population or conservation status.

The group also discovered a species of gecko in the Phnom Preah Kuhear Luong (luong caves) of Kampot province, as part of a two-year research project.

The species was named the “royal cave bent-toed gecko”. Its scientific name is Cyrtodactylus regicavernicolus.

This discovery highlights Cambodia's biodiversity and the unique potential of its habitats, which require detailed study and documentation.  

The ministry emphasised that the discovery of new animal species and biodiversity in Cambodia’s protected natural areas demonstrates the value of Cambodia's natural resources, which are being carefully protected and preserved by the government. 

Recently, rare and endangered wildlife species have also been repeatedly observed in Cambodia’s wildlife sanctuaries.