Researchers Hail Suspected New Species Discoveries
The researchers gathered a variety of animal species of scientific interest in the limestone mountains of Banan district. Photo: Ministry of Environment
- By Rin Ousa
- March 28, 2024 11:55 AM
PHNOM PENH – Some species of reptiles and mammals have been discovered in Battambang province with researchers suspecting they have never before been found in the world.
They were found by Environment Ministry researchers during week-long field studies which ended on March 26, the ministry said.
The researchers gathered a variety of animal species of scientific interest in the limestone mountains of Banan district.
“With the collaboration of Flora and Fauna International (FFI) Cambodia, preliminary results show that among a total of 29 species of reptiles and mammals, three of them are suspected to be new species to science,” ministry spokesperson Khvay Atitya said.
“Biodiversity conservation plays a crucial role for countries in implementing the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, relevant protocols and bilateral agreements.
“With the immense support from relevant ministries, institutions, park rangers, local authorities, citizens and partners, the number of species found has increased.”
The ministry is now working with FFI to identify newly found species. Once data collection is finished, confirmation will be updated through genetic analysis.
The new biodiversity data gathered from the study will be essential for future conservation of biodiversity, as well as planning for the management and conservation of those limestone mountains in the future.
Researchers and officials from the ministry, FFI, Battambang Provincial Environment and local authorities studied aquatic animal and mammal species in the mountains.
These sites include Phnom Sampov, Phnom Kdoung, Phnom Banan, Phnom Romsay, Phnom Ta Kream, Phnom Krapeu, and Phnom Khpos.
Atitya said the ministry encourages the study and exploration of biodiversity and facilitates policy development, legal documents, strategies and action plans on biodiversity, particularly the implementation of the country’s “Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028” issued on Nov. 15, which prioritizes clean, green and sustainable policies.
“Wildlife in the country consists of 2085 species, including 147 mammals, 543 birds, 145 reptiles, 59 mammals, 1093 fish and 98 insects.
“Cambodia is also considered to be home to some of the world's rare, endangered species, and threatened species including giant ibis, Cambodian tailorbird, white-shouldered ibis and bos javanicus,” he said.
