In an intensive conservation endeavour, 20 camera traps were recently retrieved from designated wildlife sanctuaries in Pursat province.

These surveillance devices captured glimpses of seven distinct wildlife species such as Asian elephants, gaur, clouded leopards, Asiatic black bears, sambars, Asian wild dogs and peafowls.

The same camera study also brought into focus three endangered species: Pangolins, Asiatic golden cats and coral-billed ground-cuckoos. They were captured on camera, revealing the diverse and precious biodiversity under threat in this region.

The Ministry of Environment said this study was meticulously planned to track significant wildlife species of local and global conservation value. This study was implemented as an integral part of the wildlife management plan, which had gained approval from the ministry in June 2022.

Between June 19 and 26 of this year, a joint operation was carried out by the Cambodia Sustainable Landscape and Ecotourism Project (CSLEP). The team – closely collaborating with the Department of Conservation of the South Tonle Sap Nature Reserve under the General Department of Protected Areas, the Pursat provincial environment department and rangers – spearheaded this critical task. Their mission was centred around the careful removal of the camera traps from the wildlife sanctuaries.

The cameras had served a significant purpose over the preceding three months. They were meticulously installed as part of a crucial study focused on observing key wildlife species.

Each of these species currently bears the sombre title of "critically endangered" according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Their preservation is of paramount importance to shared global ecosystem.