This photographer just returned from a jungle expedition in Cambodia – what he captured was astonishing

A biodiversity survey carried out in the Samlout Multiple Use Area in Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains has revealed an extraordinarily rich variety of invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals, along with newly identified plant species.

The survey, led by Fauna & Flora, confirmed the presence of several threatened species, including Sunda pangolin, Asian elephant and dhole (a species of wild dog).

"This survey's findings underscore the rich biodiversity within Samlout, a vital component of Cambodia's protected area network," says Pablo Sinovas, Cambodia Country Director of Fauna & Flora.

"Its location next to protected forests along the Thai border enhances its significance for transboundary ecological connectivity, further emphasising the need for sustained conservation efforts.”

Into the mountains: expedition images

The survey was conducted between October 2021 and June 2022 to gather comprehensive data on the region’s biodiversity. It focused on five taxonomic groups: bats, orchids, invertebrate, herpetological and birds. The Biodiversity Report was funded by the Maddox Foundation.   

Main image: the spectacular Cardomom Mountains green pit-viper, photographed in Samlout, Cambodia./Jeremy Holden, Fauna & Flora

More amazing stories from around the world

• Humans didn't want to go into this mysterious jungle in Asia, so they sent a drone in instead
• An immense creature is moving through the vast swamps of the Everglades National Park
• Orcas are now hunting whale sharks – and they're doing it in an astonishing way