Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary Remains a Vital Habitat for Large Wild Ungulates like Banteng and Gaur, along with Numerous Globally Threatened Species, Confirmed by Camera Trap Survey!

A total of 28 species, including species of monkeys, wild cattle, deer, bear, civets, birds, small wild cats and more were photographed and identified.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia (December 5, 2024) – Results of a biodiversity camera trap study of Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary (LWS) released today confirm that the protected area remains a vital habitat for large wild ungulates and rare species, such as Banteng, Gaur, and Black-shanked Douc Langur which play critical roles in maintaining forest ecosystems.

The study, conducted by NatureLife Cambodia and the Ministry of Environment, was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through USAID Morodok Baitang, from August 2023 to June 2024. The aim was to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive survey of high conservation value mammals species within the LWS REDD+ Project.

The survey recorded 28 diverse species from the Gaur, the World’s largest wild cow species, to the Lesser Oriental Chevrotain, the world’s second-smallest hoofed animal. Many of the species recorded are classed as highly endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Read List (IUCN Red List). Two detected species, the Black-shanked Douc Langur and Banteng, are classified as critically endangered, one category away from extinction.

Mr. Vorsak Bou, NatureLife Cambodia’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “This study underscores the global significance of Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary, where we are actively implementing the REDD+ project. The presence of iconic species like the Gaur and Banteng highlights the need for collaborative conservation efforts to protect this remaining primary forest. The sanctuary is also home to Cambodia’s national bird, the Giant Ibis, along with other critically endangered species like the White-shouldered Ibis and Red-headed Vulture. NatureLife Cambodia calls on all stakeholders to join hands with the Ministry of Environment to protect this unique landscape for future generations.”

H.E Khvay Atitya, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Environment, said, “Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary is one protected area among other REDD+ project areas in Cambodia, and is well prepared to implement the REDD+ project, like other areas in Cambodia. At this moment the Ministry of Environment is implementing four measures to ensure the effective protection and management of protected areas that are rich in forests, wildlife, and other biodiversity. The results of this joint study have reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to protect and conserve natural resources and to improve the livelihoods of communities in those areas, in line with the national strategies and policies of the Royal Government of Cambodia. In particular, the Ministry of Environment is implementing the “Circular Strategy on Environment” with the aim of guiding and prioritizing work to ensure environmental sustainability and integrity, in response to climate change and to promote a green economy. This aims to ensure that Cambodia achieves its goal of having significantly increased forest cover and becoming a carbon neutral country by 2050.

USAID Mission Director Kerry Pelzman said, “USAID’s collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and NatureLife Cambodia reflects our commitment to biodiversity conservation in Cambodia and recognizes the critical role of natural systems in achieving sustainable and net- zero development goals. USAID is proud to support programs that empower Indigenous communities to enhance their livelihoods while protecting Cambodia’s natural resources and endangered species.”

Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Cambodia’s largest protected areas and contains irreplaceable biodiversity within its diverse wildlife habitats. The sanctuary holds numerous species that are now found in only a small number of places, including critically endangered bird species such as the Red- headed Vulture, Giant Ibis and White-shouldered Ibis, as well as rare and charismatic species like the Sarus Crane, and Green Peafowl. The landscape is also home to local and Indigenous communities who live in and around its forested areas. Many of these communities rely heavily on the goods and services provided by the forests and ecosystems within the sanctuary for their livelihoods.

Over the last two decades, the Lomphat Landscape has been significantly impacted by large-scale human activities leading to deforestation, forest degradation, and loss of biodiversity. The primary drivers of deforestation and biodiversity loss include forest encroachment for agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and the hunting of protected species.

The Ministry of Environment and NatureLife Cambodia have protected the forest and wildlife in the area through various conservation initiatives for many years. Implementation of the Lomphat REDD+ Project, made possible through the funding and support of USAID Morodok Baitang, will hopefully improve these efforts. The REDD+ Project will preserve carbon forest stocks and provide investment opportunities,  scale up biodiversity conservation activities and improve community livelihoods. These activities have so far included restoring forest wetland habitats; empowering local communities to patrol and co-manage their natural resources; promoting organic, wildlife-friendly IBIS Rice and deforestation free cashew; and empowering youth in conservation.

About this biodiversity study

A key feature of REDD+ Projects is they must result in additional benefits in forest and biodiversity protection. NatureLife Cambodia, formerly the BirdLife International Cambodia Programme, and the Ministry of Environment have over ten years of detailed survey data of high priority wild bird species; however, this was the first large scale survey using camera traps focusing on mammal species. As such, the survey was conducted in a systematic way covering the entire 1272km2 of the REDD+ Project area. With 40 cameras placed over 7,428 camera trap survey days, the survey revealed that Lomphat remains a vital refuge and stronghold for many imperiled species, including many mammals that are now sadly absent across much of Southeast Asia. The results of this survey provide a solid baseline with which to continue monitoring the effectiveness of the REDD+ conservation actions over the coming decades.

Read a summary of the report here:

Photos from the camera traps: