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Headline: Stunning turquoise viper among incredible finds in Cambodia's previously unexplored Karst caves
Caption: Stunning turquoise viper among incredible finds in Cambodia's previously unexplored Karst caves. A series of newly identified species has been uncovered in Cambodia’s unexplored limestone cave systems - including a spectacular turquoise viper. The report reveals a wealth of previously unknown wildlife in karst landscapes in Battambang Province, where researchers explored more than 60 caves across ten hills. Among the discoveries were several species entirely new to science, including the snake, geckos, micro-snails, and millipedes. Among the most notable finds are the newly identified turquoise viper from the Trimeresurus genus, recognised for its venom, triangular head and heat-sensing ability used to detect prey. Several gecko species were also recorded, including the Kamping Poi bent-toed gecko, which researchers believe may represent multiple distinct species due to the isolation of the caves. They also found the brightly coloured ornate flying snake. Researchers say that while karst environments are still relatively unexplored, they are proving to be among the most biologically diverse habitats on Earth, often harbouring species found nowhere else. The findings highlight the importance of karst ecosystems - landscapes formed of limestone hills and caves - which often act as isolated “islands” of evolution. Despite their ecological and cultural significance, karst habitats remain largely unprotected and face threats from quarrying, tourism, wildfires, logging and hunting.
Keywords: Natural World,turquoise viper,incredible finds,Cambodia,Karst caves,species,limestone,cave,unknown,wildlife,Battambang Province,snakes,geckos,micro-snails,millipedes,Trimeresurus genus,venom,Kamping Po,bent-toed gecko,habitat,environments,evolution,threats,quarrying,tourism,wildfires,logging,hunting,animals
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