Cambodia & Nature: New species of cave gecko identified in Kampot province

A previously unidentified species of gecko has been discovered in the Phnom Preah Kuhear Luong (Luong Caves) in Banteay Meas district of Kampot province.

The Royal Cave Bent-toed Gecko has recently been identified as a unique species. It is found only in the limestone caves of the Phnom Preah Kuhear Luong Natural Heritage Site. Photo Ministry of Environment

A new species of gecko has been discovered in the cave system of Banteay Meas district in Kampot province. The study was conducted by ministry specialists in collaboration with the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Wild Earth Allies and the IUCN, as well as experts from La Sierra University and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in the US.

The new species has been dubbed the "Royal Cave Bent-toed Gecko". Its scientific name is Cyrtodactylus regicavernicolus.

Chhin Sophea, from the ministry's Biodiversity Department at the General Department of Policy and Strategy said the study was conducted at night in the Luong caves and surrounding areas, as well as the Phnom Totong-Phnom Touch Natural Heritage Area in Dang Tong and Banteay Meas districts, in 2021 and 2022.

The Royal Cave Bent-toed Gecko is found only in the limestone caves of the Phnom Preah Kuhear Luong Natural Heritage Site. Adult specimens grow to around 80mm long, with females slightly larger than males. The geckos can spend the day in the cave at depths of up to 20m, emerging at night to feed.