Seven Threatened Mammal Species Found in Northern Cambodia Park

PHNOM PENH, June 5, 2026 (KPT) — Seven globally threatened mammal species have been documented in the newly expanded Veun Sai Siem Pang National Park in northern Cambodia, researchers said, underscoring the area’s conservation value.

The survey identified three Critically Endangered species — the Banteng, Sunda Pangolin and Red-shanked Douc Langur — along with the Endangered Northern Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon. Three Vulnerable species were also recorded: the Mainland Serow, Malayan Sun Bear and Mainland Clouded Leopard.

The animals were detected through camera traps and field observations between January and August 2025 in previously unsurveyed sections of the park. Conservationists said some of the species were once thought locally extinct.

The study was conducted by Wild Earth Allies, Conservation International Cambodia, the Ministry of Environment and Stung Treng’s provincial environment department.

Researchers deployed 38 camera traps across 60 sites, amassing more than 5,900 trap nights. In total, 26 mammal species, 18 bird species and three reptiles were recorded.

Veun Sai Siem Pang National Park, spanning Ratanakiri and Stung Treng provinces, was enlarged in 2023 to cover over 280,000 hectares.

The southern extension between the Sesan and Sekong rivers contains remote evergreen forests that have received little scientific attention.

Experts said the findings bolster efforts to designate the park as a Key Biodiversity Area under international criteria and highlight its role within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

Despite the encouraging results, conservationists warned that habitat loss, forest degradation and hunting continue to threaten wildlife.

They urged stronger cooperation among government agencies, conservation groups, private partners and local communities to safeguard the species and ecosystems.