Last week, a fire destroyed approximately 15 hectares of the Phnom Tamao forest protected area, which houses the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre and zoo.

Conservationists expressed the belief that the fire was set deliberately, possibly by a cooking fire burning out of control, or individuals attempting to smoke bees out so honey could be collected.

They have called for greater efforts to prevent fires burning out of control, especially now that fallen leaves make it easier for fires to spread, starting from February.

According to Try Sitheng, an official with the Wildlife Alliance, explained that while the 15 hectares destroyed may only be a small part of the approximately 2,000 hectare Phnom Tamao forest, the fire had a major negative impact on the natural forest, newly planted trees and animals and their habitats.

“I believe the fire was probably caused by someone intentionally setting it. It burned about 15 hectares and affected several young trees that we had planted just two years ago. Some of the animals that lived there have lost their natural habitat,” he told The Post on February 18.

The management and staff of the Phnom Tamao Zoo, along with local authorities from Bati district, Takeo province, worked together to extinguish the fire.

Wildlife Alliance expressed their sorrow over the loss.

“When you see a forest fire like this, how does it make you feel?” they asked, via social media.

“For us, seeing this fire is truly heartbreaking. It is a painful feeling for both the forest and the wildlife. Many animals have suffered because of the fire, such as species which cannot run away from the flames and died when the fire reached them. Some animals nest on the ground, while others nest in the treetops, but when the fire burns, everything perishes,” they added.

As the leaves begin to fall, making fires much more likely, the conservation group urged the public, especially those visiting forest areas, to be more cautious when cooking or grilling over an open fire.

Additionally, smokers or those who light fires for other purposes like hunting for honey are asked to exercise extreme  caution so as not to cause forest fires.

“Since February, the leaves have started to fall, and the conditions are ripe for fires to spread quickly. Please join us in being vigilant against forest fires... It is painful for both the forest and the wildlife. The forest is the home of wildlife,” it noted.

The Phnom Tamao forest covers approximately 2,025 hectares in Bati district. It was officially declared a protected wildlife sanctuary by the government in 2022.

The sanctuary is divided into three main zones: a protected forest area for wildlife restoration and conservation, covers 1,021 hectares; the Phnom Tamao Botanical Gardens, for tree conservation and the development of high-quality timber species, covers 530 hectares; and the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, an area for wildlife conservation and education 474 hectares.