Background
On 23 March 2026, the Ministry of Environment issued a joint press release titled “Secrets of the Karst: New Species and Rare Wildlife Discovered in Cambodia’s Karst Caves.” The release reported findings from a biodiversity survey published the same day and conducted in collaboration with Fauna & Flora-Cambodia Programme and field experts.
The survey covered more than 60 caves across ten hills in Battambang Province in western Cambodia. According to the release, the survey documented a wide range of species inhabiting Cambodia’s karst ecosystems.
Scope of Application
The press release concerns karst ecosystems consisting of limestone hills and caves in Battambang Province. It addresses biodiversity findings within these cave and hill systems and identifies the ecological, cultural, spiritual, and ecotourism relevance of karst landscapes.
The release does not set out a new regulation or formal compliance procedure. It serves as an official statement of survey findings and identified environmental pressures affecting karst areas.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The survey findings reported in the press release include the discovery of multiple species identified as new to science. The release states that seven new species have been published: three geckos (Cyrtodactylus kampingpoiensis, Hemiphyllodactylus khpoh, and Dixonius noctivagus), two micro-snails (Clostophis udayaditinus and Chamalycaeus aduncus), and two millipedes (Orthomorpha efefai and Orthomorpha battambangiensis).
The release further states that three additional geckos (Gehyra sp. nov., Cyrtodactylus sp. nov., and Dixonius sp. nov.) and one pit viper species (Trimeresurus sp. nov.) are being described.
The survey also confirmed the presence of several globally threatened species, including the Sunda pangolin, Indochinese silvered langur, long-tailed macaque, and green peafowl.
The Ministry described karst landscapes as biodiverse habitats with high levels of endemism and noted that these areas face threats from quarrying, poorly managed tourism, wildfire, illegal logging, and wildlife hunting.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The press release provides an official environmental record of biodiversity findings in karst areas of Battambang Province. For businesses, project developers, tourism operators, and other stakeholders active near limestone hills and cave systems, the release may be relevant as a reference point on the ecological sensitivity of these sites.
The item does not announce a new legal restriction, permit requirement, enforcement action, or regulatory measure. However, it documents the Ministry of Environment’s official recognition of biodiversity significance and identified threats within karst ecosystems.
Official Source
Ministry of Environment, Joint Press Release, “Secrets of the Karst: New Species and Rare Wildlife Discovered in Cambodia’s Karst Caves,” published 23 March 2026.
