The Ministry of Environment has reported capturing 34 distinct wildlife species on camera traps in March within the Biodiversity Conservation Corridor adjacent to the Virachey National Park in Ratanakkiri province. The ministry describes these findings as significant and promising.

The surveillance effort, spearheaded jointly by the ministry and Fauna & Flora International (FFI), aimed to bolster conservation and sustainability in the region. Multiple wildlife species were recorded, signifying the biodiversity of this crucial corridor.

Throughout March, 27 camera traps were positioned and monitored by officials from FFI, the ministry, the Ratanakkiri provincial environment department, and local communities. The cameras had been operational in the forest for a two-month span.

The captured wildlife included 34 distinct species, eight of which are currently listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This includes five vulnerable species, two threatened species, and one endangered species. A further two species are simultaneously endangered and threatened.

Among the observed species were larger mammals such as bears and southern serows, along with peafowls, black-shanked douc, langurs, and a marbled cat, according to the ministry.

“These exciting results will be used to inform discussions on demarcating and dividing the management of the Virachey National Park and the Biodiversity Corridor in June to ensure these important wild animals are protected,” said the ministry.

It expressed gratitude to its partners, local communities and the Darwin Initiative/DERFA Foundation donors for their support in this pioneering study.