PHNOM PENH: A camera-trap biodiversity survey has revealed the remarkable diversity of wildlife species inhabiting the vast, untouched, and biodiverse Virachey National Park in northeastern Cambodia, said a joint press release on Wednesday (Feb 11).
"A total of 42 species were recorded, including 32 mammal species, nine bird species, and one invertebrate species," the press release said.
"Among these, two species are classified as critically endangered, five as endangered, and 13 as vulnerable."
Notably, video footage documenting a herd of Asian elephants in the forest provides compelling evidence of the high ecological integrity and suitability of Virachey National Park as a critical habitat for wildlife, it said.
The key species identified in the survey include rare animals such as the Asian elephant, Dhole, Clouded leopard, Asian golden cat, Great hornbill, Marbled cat, Bengal slow loris, Green peafowl, Douc langur, and Sunda pangolin and many others, the press release said.
"Virachey National Park is a treasure of Cambodia, home to a rich diversity of species," said Khvay Atitya, undersecretary of state and spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment.
"This survey provides invaluable knowledge that will guide our efforts to protect these forests and their wildlife, while also supporting the communities who depend on them," he added.
Lou Vanny, terrestrial programme manager for Fauna & Flora-Cambodia Program, said Virachey National Park is alive with a host of incredible creatures, each playing a critical role in maintaining the forest ecosystems.
"This camera-trap data allows us to discover some of Virachey National Park's rarest species while also gaining a better understanding of their behaviour, preferred habitats, and interactions with human settlements," he said.
He added that the main goal of this survey is to strengthen conservation actions in this biodiversity hotspot, taking into account the needs of both wildlife and local communities.
First established in 1993, Virachey National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the Southeast Asian country.
It is a relatively untouched haven for biodiversity, with an area of approximately 332,500 hectares, and is home to a vast range of species found nowhere else in the world, many of which are yet to be discovered.
Vanny said people living near this protected area can play a key role in effectively protecting wildlife, but they face their own set of challenges.
"Therefore, harmonizing conservation goals with local development needs is not merely a social objective, but an ecological necessity for the survival of the region's extraordinary biodiversity," he said. - Xinhua
