Hidden microphones, cameras, and artificial intelligence are revealing previously unobserved species in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains. This technological approach helps conservationists protect endangered wildlife within the country’s largest remaining intact rainforest. The Cardamom Mountains, spanning over a million hectares in southwest Cambodia, represent one of the region’s most critical rainforests.
Conservation International (CI), a US-headquartered non-profit, employs these methods to document species ranging from pangolins to elephants. Ratha Sor, biodiversity and science manager at CI, stated this provides “real evidence” of unique species conservation. The presence of pileated gibbons, for example, signals the forest’s health, as these animals are considered indicators of a thriving ecosystem.
The Cardamom range faced extensive deforestation and poaching for decades. While bolstered protections have slowed these threats, infrastructure projects, including dams, continue to pose significant risks. Cambodia has lost over a third of its forest cover in the past 25 years, making the conservation of this specific region even more urgent.
In 2024, Conservation International published the initial findings from a systematic camera trap survey in the Central Cardamom region. This survey identified over 100 resident species, with nearly two dozen classified as vulnerable or endangered. The effort involved nearly 150 devices placed at regular intervals, and a repeat survey is scheduled for later this year.
The systematic survey is complemented by ongoing targeted camera trapping. This method focuses on areas where animals are likely to be found, providing deeper insights into population changes and animal behavior. These combined approaches offer a more comprehensive understanding of the forest’s biodiversity.
Conservationists, rangers, and local community members collaborate in these efforts. Local guides, such as Pan Sok from the Chong Indigenous minority, assist CI in determining optimal device placement. This local knowledge is crucial for effective monitoring and data collection in the dense jungle environment.
The continued monitoring of species like macaques, dholes, and elephants through these advanced techniques will be vital for assessing the effectiveness of current conservation strategies. The long-term health of the Cardamom Mountains remains subject to ongoing threats from development and human activity, necessitating sustained vigilance and adaptive conservation measures.
Future surveys and data analysis will further clarify population trends and the overall impact of conservation initiatives. The ability to systematically document and track rare Cambodia wildlife provides a critical foundation for securing the future of this biodiverse region.