'Treasures' in Phong Nha-Ke Bang

The continuous discovery of new animal and plant species in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is not only good news for scientists but also brings unique biodiversity values of international significance, contributing to enhancing the park's status and attracting international conservation efforts, and promoting sustainable ecotourism…

Báo Quảng Trị•11/02/2026

* The cone snail of Son Doong Cave has the scientific name Calybium plicatus sp. nov., belonging to the group of mollusks/land snails (Gastropoda).

Calybium plicatus is a new species of land snail, discovered in sinkhole 1, Son Doong Cave, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, by a team of Vietnamese scientists as part of a biodiversity research project on the Son Doong cave system.

This species belongs to the genus Calybium, family Helicinidae (class Gastropoda), and is the first terrestrial species in this group recorded in Vietnam.

The shell is smaller than that of its close relative (Calybium massiei), with six equally spaced plates at the apex—this is an important distinguishing feature.

This discovery, published in the journal Rutherica (January 2025), confirms a new contribution to the species naming system and understanding of biodiversity in the Son Doong cave environment.

The discovery of Calybium plicatus expands our understanding of the diversity of land snail species in limestone and cave ecosystems—a harsh but biologically rich environment, added Dang Ngoc Kien, Deputy Head of the Science and International Cooperation Department, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Biodiversity and geomorphological surveys are being conducted in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Emaganize QuangTriOnline

* Decaneuropsis phongnhakebangensis, also known as the white-headed tree of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, belongs to the Asteraceae family and was discovered by scientists in the limestone mountain forests, in the Va-Nuoc Nut cave area, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

This is a new climbing shrub species for science, discovered during a multi-day botanical survey on limestone mountains at an altitude of approximately 777m. It has been published in the Japanese Journal of Botany.

The plant can climb to over 5m in height, with young branches covered in yellowish-brown hairs, alternate leaves that are obovate or elliptical in shape, and dark purple bell-shaped/funnel-shaped flowers.

The white-headed tree of Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a remarkable new representative of limestone flora—a unique habitat with rich evolutionary value, enriching the plant catalog of Vietnam and the world .

The discovery of Decaneuropsis phongnhakebangensis not only adds a new species to the narrow flora but also helps scientists study the evolutionary relationships of this plant group in Southeast Asia.

Scientists are studying the white-headed trees of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in the green cypress forest.

According to Pham Hong Thai, Director of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Management Board: To date, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has recorded 1,404 animal species and 2,956 plant species; including 54 newly discovered species. In 2025 alone, scientists discovered and published the Son Doong cone snail and the Phong Nha-Ke Bang white-headed snail. These discoveries add rare plant and animal species, affirming the unique biodiversity of the forest ecosystem on limestone mountains, providing valuable genetic resources, and strengthening Phong Nha-Ke Bang's position as one of the most important biodiversity centers not only in Vietnam but also in the world.

Currently, the Park Management Board is implementing the IUCN Green List and the management plan for the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park World Natural Heritage Site. In addition, the Park Management Board is coordinating with the Provincial People's Committee to carry out procedures for submitting to UNESCO for recognition as a World Biosphere Reserve for Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park; and developing the nomination dossier for the 3rd World Natural Heritage Site recognition under Criterion VII (Aesthetics), contributing to the preservation and promotion of the unique values of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park World Natural Heritage Site.