Preventing Extinction

Cambodia is located within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot which is an area of highly diverse in flora and fauna. According to the 2016 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Cambodia, there are 601 bird species, 1357 fish species, 72 amphibian species, 173 reptiles species, 162 mammal species and 3113 plant species listed; however, new species are still being described. With many species having unique roles in the ecosystem, the conservation of these species from extinction can significantly contribute to maintaining the functioning of each environment.

Hunting, poisoning, habitat destruction, pollution, introduced species, and climate change are considered to be the major threats to all species. Critically endangered ibises and vulture species are threatened by poisoning, disturbance, and habitat conversion. The Bengal Florican is facing extinction due to habitat conversion into dry season rice fields. The natural habitat of the newly described Cambodian tailor bird, endemic to Cambodia, is threatened by urbanization projects. While it is likely that the Kou Prey is already extinct, populations of other globally threatened mammal species such as Asian Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Banteng, Eld’s deer, Black shack douc langur, Malayan Sun Bear, Pangolin, and Mekong dolphin are declining and will encounter a similar fate unless conservation actions are undertaken. Overfishing, use of illegal or destructive fishing gear, and loss of healthy fish habitat are the main threats to fish stocks in Cambodia, resulting in the disappearance of key species from wetland and marine habitats.