PHNOM PENH (Xinhua): A new biodiversity survey has revealed the vast array of species living within karst ecosystems in western Cambodia's Battambang province, conservationists said in a joint press release on Monday.
Exploring over 60 caves across ten hills in the province, the survey uncovered a treasure trove of extraordinary creatures, many found nowhere else on Earth, the press release said.
Led by Fauna & Flora-Cambodia Programme in collaboration with Cambodia's Ministry of Environment, some of the most significant findings of the survey included the discovery of many species that are new to science such as three new geckos, two micro-snails, and two millipedes, while other new 3 geckos and a new pit viper species are currently being described, it added.
The survey confirmed the presence of several global threatened species, including the Sunda pangolin, Indochinese silvered langur, long-tailed macaque and green peafowl, the press release said, adding that this finding highlights the urgent need to protect this habitat.
Karst landscapes are formed from limestone hills and caves, creating unique features such as sinkholes, springs and underground streams. Although still little explored, karst is one of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth, with high levels of endemism. These landscapes are also culturally and spiritually important to local communities and are increasingly valued for ecotourism.
Karst areas face growing threats from quarrying, poorly managed tourism, wildfire, illegal logging and wildlife hunting, the press release said.
Khvay Atitya, an undersecretary of state and spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, said the survey once again demonstrated that Cambodia is a country of outstanding natural richness and global biodiversity significance.
"Our karst ecosystems are not only home to rare and newly discovered species, but they also provide cultural, spiritual and economic value to local communities," he said.
Atitya said Cambodia is strongly committed to strengthening the protection and sustainable management of these unique landscapes.
"We will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that development is balanced with conservation, so that our natural heritage is safeguarded for future generations," he said.
Sothearen Thi, Karst Biodiversity Coordinator for Fauna & Flora-Cambodia Programme, said Cambodia's karst areas are a treasure trove of scientific secrets waiting to be uncovered.
"From undiscovered reptiles and snails, to hidden caves - there is still so much we do not know about these unique ecosystems and the diversity of creatures living within them," she said.
"But, without sustainable management, we may never find out what these areas truly hold. Karst landscapes are facing many human-driven challenges, and biologically significant species could go extinct before they have even been discovered," she added.
