(Phnom Penh): The Ministry of Environment has documented 14 rare and threatened wildlife species in the Cardamom Mountains National Park following a three-month biodiversity survey, highlighting the park's importance as one of Cambodia's key biodiversity strongholds.

The survey, conducted from April to June 2026 under the Cambodia Sustainable Landscape and Ecotourism Project (CSLEP), was carried out by ministry experts in collaboration with the Department of Terrestrial Protected Area Conservation of Southern Tonle Sap.

The recorded species include the Asian elephant, gaur, southern serow, sambar, sun bear, Asiatic black bear, marbled cat, dhole, spotted linsang, common long-tailed macaque, northern pig-tailed macaque, large Indian civet, Sunda pangolin, and smooth-coated otter. All are classified as rare, vulnerable, near threatened, or endangered.

Among the findings, the ministry highlighted the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. The otter inhabits rivers, wetlands, mangroves, and estuaries, lives in family groups, and primarily feeds on fish and crustaceans. In Cambodia, it has previously been recorded in Kratie Province, the Prek Toal area of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, and Mondulkiri Province.

The ministry said the discovery demonstrates that the Cardamom Mountains National Park continues to serve as a vital refuge for Cambodia's wildlife while underscoring the need to strengthen conservation efforts against habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and hunting.

The Ministry of Environment also reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to protect Cambodia's biodiversity and ensure the long-term sustainability of the country's natural ecosystems.
=FRESH NEWS