PROGRAM GOAL: To conserve biodiversity in the Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia, by supporting the Cardamom Mountains Research Group

Zoos Victoria is working with Fauna & Flora International, the Cambodian Ministry of Environment and local communities to document and protect biodiversity in the Cardamom Mountains in south-west Cambodia.  The program primarily focuses on the Phnom Samko Wildlife Sanctuary, an area of 334,000 ha.

The Greater Cardamoms are one of the most important areas for biodiversity in Asia, covering more than 2 million hectares.  They are a Global Biodiversity Hotspot and support significant populations of many threatened species, including 70 species on the IUCN Red List.  They are also the source of the major rivers that provide water to the rest of Cambodia.  Nearly 40,000 people live in the Cardamom Mountains region, mostly in the lowlands.

THE CONSERVATION ISSUE

The remote Cardamom Mountains wilderness was effectively closed to the outside world until fighting ended in 1998, and is still remarkably intact. The mountains support significant populations of many threatened species including Asian Elephants, Clouded Leopards, Malayan Sun Bears, Tigers, Eld’s Deer, Green Peafowl and Siamese Crocodiles. Hundreds of new species have also been discovered.

Much of the mountain range is now officially protected.  This unique landscape, however, is increasingly under threat.  The construction of several new roads into the mountains has increased access by illegal loggers, poachers and land-grabbers. 

Increased accessibility is also associated with major development projects such as hydro-dams and mines that add pressure to the forests and wildlife. Furthermore, the responsible authorities unfortunately lack adequate resources and technical capacity, and are struggling to cope. The next 5-10 years will be crucial for establishing the necessary mechanisms and partnerships to ensure an ecologically sustainable future for the Cardamom Mountains. 
 

KEY PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

This program aims to fill the many gaps in understanding of the biodiversity of the Cardamom Mountains by supporting and training Cambodian biologists. The information generated will inform long-term management of the Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary.  The knowledge and skills gained by local biologists will also strengthen long-term conservation management in Cambodia.

The key goal of the program is to gather reliable data on the status, distribution and needs of key habitats and endangered wildlife in the Cardamom Mountains, and so inform and enhance protection of the range. This will be achieved by:

1. Completing rapid biological surveys of the Cardamom Mountains, and conducting targeted studies of species and issues of greatest concern.
2. Establishing a regular monitoring program for key areas and wildlife to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation interventions.
3. Continuing to build the capacity of biologists from the Ministries of Environment and Forestry Administration.
4. Publishing and disseminating findings and conservation recommendations for use by site managers and the wider conservation community.

ZOOS VICTORIA'S ROLE

Zoos Victoria has supported this program since 2006.  The core focus of our support is the Cardamom Mountains Research Group, a team of Cambodian biologists who are also supported by local Fauna and Flora International staff.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

 The program commenced in 2006 and has already achieved important outcomes, including:

• Significantly reduced levels of illegal poaching
• 30,000 ha of community reserves established
• More than 70% of sanctuary protected from illegal activity (e.g. logging, poaching)
• Significantly increased knowledge of wildlife, including the formal description of 10 new species
• Control of illegal activities associated with hydro-dam development

PROGRAM PARTNERS

Zoos Victoria has a Memorandum of Understanding with Fauna and Flora International, and has supported their Cardamom Mountains program since 2006. 

Fauna and Flora International has been working with the Cambodian Ministry of Environment  since 2000 to secure funds and technical support to ensure the long-term protection of the Cardamom Mountains. On the ground, they work closely with a wide range of local partners and stakeholders, including district and provincial governments, commune councils and non-government groups.