Protectors of the Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary: a day patrolling with Mondulkiri rangers and scouts

By: Clodie Veyrac

In the heart of Cambodia’s Mondulkiri province, the Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary is a critical area for forest preservation and biodiversity, home to rare and endangered species. This fragile ecosystem relies on the dedication of rangers and community scouts who patrol the forest, working to protect its wildlife and other natural resources.

Rangers have been stationed in Lomphat since 1993. Currently, 38 men patrol the forest, document wildlife, remove snares, and prevent other illegal activities such as poaching and deforestation. Each month, they meet to organize their patrols, which cover up to 30 to 40 kilometres per day. When people report suspicious activities, rangers must respond quickly.

Navigating the forest on motorbikes, the rangers look for animal traces, forest fires and human activities. They also face numerous challenges. During the rainy season, fallen trees and swollen rivers block the paths, making travel long and complicated. 

“The hardest part is patrolling at night,” one ranger admitted. “Poachers sometimes carry weapons, making our work dangerous.”

Rangers also collaborate with local authorities when confronting poachers, confiscating equipment such as motorbikes, hand tractors, and vehicles used for illegal activities inside the sanctuary. Any bush meat or snares discovered are documented and destroyed to deter further poaching. 

Despite the risks, they are still committed to protecting the forest. 

“Without our protection, much of this forest could already be lost,” one ranger reflected. “We do this not just for ourselves, but for future generations.” 

Their efforts have increased tree growth and wildlife populations and decreased illegal activities. In 2024, the rangers also helped plant 5,143 tree seeds from 9 different native species.

Because rangers enforce laws that restrict activities like illegal logging and hunting, tensions sometimes arise with local communities. To address this, NatureLife Cambodia launched a  community scout program in August 2024. Young villagers now accompany rangers on patrols, learning firsthand about conservation, while fostering better relationships between authorities and their communities. 

“When I was growing up, I witnessed so many illegal activities and felt powerless to stop them,” one young scout said. “Now, I can participate in protecting my homeland’s nature and wildlife.”

Working alongside rangers, scouts record animal sightings, snare removal, and assist in conservation efforts. One scout, Prak, shared his enthusiasm: “I enjoy learning about the forest, and seeing the wildlife. I didn’t know some of them still existed! And one day, I hope to become a ranger myself.” 

The scouts’ involvement also helps educate their villages on the importance of preserving natural resources. They share what they learn with their friends and families. Since the scout program started, the rangers have already noticed an improvement in their relationships with villagers.

Hidden cameras placed by biodiversity monitoring teams have captured rare glimpses of sun bears, wild pigs, deer, various birds, and banteng thriving in the sanctuary. Rangers play a supportive role, primarily accompanying the monitoring efforts. They also keep an eye on trapeangs—small waterholes critical for sustaining wildlife, particularly in the dry season. Some of these waterholes are restored by local communities, providing both environmental and economic benefits.

In 2024, the Mondulkiri rangers patrolled the forest for 207 days, covering a total distance of 7,123km between the eight of them. One of their most memorable and proudest achievements was rescuing a baby wild elephant of 5 months. In December, the rangers were urgently dispatched to save the female who suffered a severe wound to her front right leg caused by a snare. She is now safely recovering at the Phnom Tamao Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue Center, and has been named ‘Lomphat’.

Rangers and scouts hope to increase their numbers soon so they can cover more ground. They also strongly believe more community involvement and education are needed. 

“If more villagers joined patrols, they would gain a deeper understanding of what we do and why it matters,” one ranger suggested. “The scouts have already started building trust within their communities.”

NatureLife Cambodia continues to support these conservation efforts by providing training, GPS tools, and essential patrol equipment. These efforts are also linked to the Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary REDD+ project, which aims to reduce deforestation and forest degradation while promoting sustainable management and conservation. Monthly planning meetings and financial assistance for patrols ensure that rangers and scouts can continue their mission effectively. The work of these dedicated people is about more than just protecting a forest—it is about preserving Cambodia’s rich natural heritage for future generations.