Vietnamese scientists identify new land snail species in world’s largest cave

Vietnamese scientists have made a discovery in Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave. A previously unknown species of land snail, named “Ốc nón Sơn Đoòng” (Son Doong cone snail), has been officially documented, marking a new contribution to biodiversity research in the region. This is reported by Vietnam News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

The newly identified species, Calybium plicatus, belongs to the Gastropoda class within the Animalia kingdom. This species was discovered during a state-level biodiversity research project conducted under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, aimed at promoting conservation and sustainable development in the cave system.

According to the experts, the new species is smaller and distinguished by six evenly spaced top plates on its apex. This marks the first recorded land gastropod species in Vietnam, further enriching the country's biodiversity records.

The discovery of Calybium plicatus highlights the need for continued conservation efforts to protect its extraordinary biodiversity, the source claims.

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