Discovered an exotic snake hybrid worm in Cambodia

Researchers have discovered a new species of non-foot amphibians, with a peculiar shape, just like the giant earthworm, which resembles a snake in a remote tropical rainforest wing of Cambodia.

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According to the International Fauna and Flora Organization (FFI), an unusual, gray-brown creature was discovered in the Cardamom Mountains, southwestern Cambodia, a place that is threatened with a loss of natural habitat for dynamic populations - wild plants. They are scientifically named Ichthyophis cardamomensis .

Classification experts Ichthyophis cardamomensis are caecilian - a genus of amphibians, like earthworms with small eyes or eyes, specializing in digging burrows hiding underground. Caecilian individuals play an important role in the ecosystem of tropical and subtropical regions, including the role of providing food for the red-tailed snake Cylindrophis ruffus. These creatures feed on invertebrates, such as earthworms, ants and termites.

Although other caecilian species can grow to 1.5 meters in body size, Ichthyophis cardamomensis is only 30cm long. Their discovery is seen as evidence that science has not been able to fully study Cambodia's biodiversity.

Once a stronghold of the Khmer Rouge government, Mount Cardamom is also home to many rare animals, including Asian elephants, Malay bison, . However, this place is facing widespread deforestation.

Conservation experts warn that illegal logging and actions to destroy other natural habitats may mean that new species will become extinct shortly after being discovered.