9 rare animals caught on camera in the ‘Amazon of Asia’

What’s Happening

Not gonna lie, A 2025 survey in the forests of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia uncovered several rare and endangered animals.

The post 9 rare animals caught on camera in the ‘Amazon of Asia’ appeared first on Popular Science. Environment Animals Wildlife Endangered Species 9 rare animals caught on camera in the ‘Amazon of Asia’ A 2025 survey in the forests of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia uncovered several rare and endangered animals. (and honestly, same)

By Popular Science Team Published Feb 10, 2026 7:01 PM EST A pig-tailed macaque is caught on camera in a Cambodian forest.

The Details

Get the Popular Science daily 💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. The results of a new camera-trap survey in Southeast Asia is revealing a bevy of hidden biodiversity tucked within the Annamites mountain range .

This largely unexplored wildlife hotspot has a forest stretching 683 miles (1,100 kilometers) across the countries of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The survey took place over the course of 2025 and uncovered numerous enchanting and rare species.

Why This Matters

The embedded cameras picked up many of the endangered animals’ unique behaviors and preferred habitats, while also providing conservationists with crucial data on the key threats to the region’s many species. It was conducted charity Fauna & Flora, and its local and global partners. “The Annamites mountain range—sometimes called the ‘Amazon of Asia’—is alive with a host of incredible creatures, each playing a critical role in maintaining the forest ecosystems that are vital to the health of our planet,” Gareth Goldthorpe, a Senior Technical Adviser, Asia-Pacific, Fauna & Flora dropped in a statement.

This could have implications for future research in this area.

Key Takeaways

• ” Take a look at nine of the survey’s exciting finds below.
• (Click to expand images to full screen.
• ) Asian elephant Despite being the smallest elephant species, Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus ) need room to roam.

The Bottom Line

(Click to expand images to full screen. ) Asian elephant Despite being the smallest elephant species, Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus ) need room to roam.

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