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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.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.