A herd of Asian elephants, including a young calf, were captured by a camera trap in the Central Cardamom Range in Koh Kong province. Environment ministry
A herd of Asian elephants, including a calf, was recorded on a camera trap recently in the central Cardamom Mountains. In addition, the presence of critically endangered gaur was noted in Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary in Preah Vihear province.
On January 8, the Ministry of Environment hailed the discoveries, calling them a hopeful sign for biodiversity conservation efforts in Cambodia, and exciting news to begin 2025.
In video footage captured by camera traps, at least four Asian elephants, including one healthy calf, were seen roaming the protected forest area of the Cardamom Mountains in Koh Kong province.
The ministry emphasised that the presence of a baby is a positive indicator of the species' reproduction and survival.
Asian elephants are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, and face threats from poaching and habitat loss globally.
“Protecting natural habitats is vital for the survival of Asian elephants and other key wildlife species that contribute to maintaining ecological balance,” the ministry stated.
Approximately 400 to 600 Asian elephants are estimated to remain in Cambodia, mostly inhabiting the Cardamom Mountains and the eastern plains.
In nature, elephants act as “ecosystem engineers”, with their enormous size clearing the path for smaller animals in the forest.
They also play an important role in dispersing seeds in the forest, but they need large enough habitats to move, forage and live. Protecting natural habitats is essential for the survival of Asian elephants and other important, rare wildlife and maintaining the balance of the natural environment.
Conservation International Cambodia (CI Cambodia), in collaboration with the government, local communities and partners, is implementing the REDD+ project in the Central Cardamom Mountain Landscape to safeguard wildlife, including the Asian elephant, and its habitat.
A gaur and her calf were recently spotted grazing with a herd of villagers' cows in Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary in Preah Vihear province. Environment ministry
This initiative is made possible by the support of USAID Morodok Baitang, Procter & Gamble Co and the Legacy Landscapes Fund.
The ministry and its partners called for people to join in their efforts to protect the remaining elephants, especially their vital habitat, which is essential to their continued survival.
Meanwhile, gaurs, another rare and endangered species, have also reappeared, in Preah Vihear province’s Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary.
The animals have been spotted grazing safely alongside villagers’ cattle several times since last year.
According to park rangers, these sightings often occur in the Thmea commune of Chheb district.
Gaurs are large, robust wild cattle. Adult males can weigh up to 1,000 kilogrammes and stand up to two metres tall, while females are slightly smaller with shorter horns.
Khvay Atitya, undersecretary of state and spokesperson for the ministry, highlighted how the recent discoveries reflect the growing success of biodiversity conservation efforts in Cambodia.
“Protecting biodiversity helps maintain ecological balance in natural areas and preserves invaluable natural heritage for future generations,” he said.
He urged the public to continue supporting conservation initiatives, noting their significance in enhancing not only wildlife preservation but also community-based eco-tourism, which generates income for local residents.
