Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
New Species of Gecko

The new gecko has been named it in honour of Cambodian scientist Mr. Neang Thy.
Scientists have announced the discovery of a new species of South East Asian Cnemaspis gecko from the rocky foothills of Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains.

The new gecko has been named it in honour of Cambodian scientist Mr. Neang Thy, who heads up conservation charity Fauna & Flora International’s (FFI) Cardamom Mountains Research Group.

The new species was found during a reptile and amphibian survey led by Dr Lee Grismer, La Sierra University and FFI in June 2007.

This week, results of the 2007 herpetology survey show that this species of Cnemaspis gecko was discovered by the team is new to science. The unique combination of its colour pattern and scale characteristics, not seen in any other South East Asian species of Cnemaspis, has resulted in it being officially recognised as new to science.

This species of Cnemaspis gecko discovered by the team is new to science.
“I am very happy and proud to have a species named after me,” said Mr Neang. “It gives me much pleasure and makes me feel my work as a herpetologist is being recognised. I hope it will
stimulate Cambodian people to think about the animals they see in their everyday life and make them realize these animals are often named after a specific call they make, the shape they have, the class they belong to or the person who discovered them.”

This is the second species of the Cnemaspis genus to be found in Cambodia. It is endemic to the Cardamom Mountains, (meaning it lives nowhere else on Earth). FFI’s biological surveys of the southwestern Cardamom Mountains have shown the area to be one of the most important areas for biodiversity conservation in Asia, sheltering. The area is home to more than 62 threatened animal and 17 threatened tree species, many of them unique to this region.


This is the second species of the Cnemaspis genus to be found in Cambodia. It is endemic to the Cardamom Mountains.
“There are likely many more species to be discovered in the Cardamom Mountains,” said Mr Neang. “Maybe this will also help to involve Cambodian people more in the conservation of species, landscapes and habitats. If we do not do this, many animals in Cambodia may soon become extinct and we will not be able to show them to our children.” he said.

Cnemaspis geckos have a relatively ancient body plan characterized by a broad flattened head, large forward and upward directed eyes, flattened body, long widely splayed limbs, and long inflected digits that help them to climb trees and rock faces and seek refuge within crevices.

Cnemaspis are diurnal species that usually go unnoticed because of their cryptic coloration and habit of foraging on the shaded surfaces of trees and overhanging rock faces. There are currently 75 species of Cnemapsis known to science, of which 30 live in South East Asia and only one other species is present in Cambodia.

Cnemaspis neangthyi has an olive-green color with light colored, paired, paravertebral blotches containing a central black dot. It also has a distinct light green chevron marking on the nape and the head has a distinct black parietal spot and radiating black lines extending from the orbit. The base color of the limbs is the same as the body and stippled with light green and black. The digits have light yellow and black bands.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.