A gaur (Bos gaurus) photographed by a camera trap in the Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary during a survey conducted from August 2023 to June 2024. - Photo: NatureLife Cambodia
PHNOM PENH: A newly released biodiversity camera trap study has confirmed that Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary remains a crucial habitat for large wild ungulates – a diverse group of large mammals primarily distinguished by their hooves.
These include the banteng (Bos javanicus) and gaur (Bos gaurus), along with numerous critically endangered species, including the black-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix nigripes).
Conducted by NatureLife Cambodia and the Ministry of Environment with support from USAID’s Morodok Baitang initiative, the study highlights the sanctuary’s role as a biodiversity hotspot and underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts, according to a joint press release on Thursday (Dec 5).
The release noted that over the course of the survey, conducted between August 2023 and June 2024, 28 species were photographed, ranging from the massive gaur, the world’s largest wild cattle species, to the lesser oriental chevrotain (Tragulus kanchil), the world’s second-smallest hoofed animal.
Among these, species such as the banteng and black-shanked douc langur are classified as critically endangered, signalling the sanctuary’s significance as one of the few remaining refuges for these animals in Southeast Asia.
“This study underscores the global significance of Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary,” NatureLife Cambodia CEO Vorsak Bou was quoted as saying.
“The presence of iconic species like the gaur and banteng highlights the need for collaborative conservation efforts to protect this unique landscape for future generations.”
The sanctuary is also home to Cambodia’s national bird, the giant ibis (Thaumatibis gigantea), along with other critically endangered species such as the white-shouldered ibis (Pseudibis davisoni) and the red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus).
According to the release, the sanctuary is one of the country’s largest protected areas, supporting diverse wildlife habitats and numerous Indigenous and local communities who depend on the forest for their livelihoods.
However, it faces significant threats, including deforestation, forest degradation and illegal hunting, driven largely by agricultural expansion and logging.
The REDD+ Project, funded through USAID Morodok Baitang, seeks to address these challenges by preserving forest carbon stocks, enhancing biodiversity conservation and supporting community livelihoods.
Current activities include restoring wetland habitats, promoting organic wildlife-friendly IBIS Rice and deforestation-free cashew farming and empowering local communities to patrol and co-manage natural resources.
A Siamese fireback (Lophura diardi) at the Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary, photographed by one of 40 camera traps used in the study. NatureLife Cambodia
Ministry undersecretary of state Khvay Atitya emphasised the country’s commitment to conservation through its "Circular Strategy on Environment", which aims to achieve sustainability, increased forest cover and carbon neutrality by 2050.
He added that the results of the study reaffirm the country’s commitment to protect and conserve natural resources, improve community livelihoods and respond to climate change.
USAID Mission Director Kerry Pelzman said, “USAID’s collaboration with the environment ministry and NatureLife Cambodia reflects our commitment to biodiversity conservation in Cambodia and recognises the critical role of natural systems in achieving sustainable and net-zero development goals.”
The release noted that the study was conducted systematically across 1,272 square kilometres of forest, utilising 40 camera traps.
It highlighted that the initiative provides a robust baseline for monitoring the effectiveness of REDD+ conservation actions in the coming decades.
With the support of USAID and other partners, Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary remains a critical refuge for endangered species and a key site for biodiversity conservation in the region.
Beyond protecting wildlife, the sanctuary also contributes significantly to the economic and environmental well-being of local communities, according to the release. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
