Recent surveys in Virachey National Park, Cambodia, have unveiled a staggering array of wildlife, including critically endangered species and previously undocumented fauna. This 405,000-hectare park, a biodiversity haven nestled in the northeastern part of the country, has become a focal point for conservation efforts.
Conducted by the conservation organization Fauna & Flora, the survey utilized over 150 camera traps and engaged local communities to document the rich variety of life within this protected area. A total of 89 species were identified, with 20 classified as globally threatened, including the red-shanked douc langur, Sunda pangolin, clouded leopard, dhole, and sun bear.
Notably, the survey recorded nine species never before seen in Cambodia, such as the critically endangered large-antlered muntjac and Sokolov's glass lizard. Fauna & Flora's Cambodia program director, Pablo Sinovas, emphasized the park's significance as a biodiversity stronghold, vital for carbon sequestration and home to diverse indigenous communities.
Despite these promising findings, the region faces significant threats from habitat destruction due to agriculture, infrastructure development, and illegal poaching. The government has faced criticism for allowing extensive deforestation, including in protected zones, which jeopardizes the delicate ecosystems within the park.
As conservationists rally to protect Virachey National Park, these discoveries underscore the urgent need for increased conservation efforts to safeguard Cambodia's rich biodiversity and the ecosystems that support it.