The fossilised remains of arthropods and timber were recently discovered by Ministry of Environment officials in Koh Kong province. Laboratory analysis has suggested the site may be up to 65 million years old.

According to the ministry, a research team from the Department of Heritage Areas conducted a field study and collected sample specimens at Koh Moul, in Koh Kong district’s Koh Kapi commune, the site of last year’s discovery of a fossilised turtle.

Koh Moul, along with the province’s Phnom Ta Mean, is believed to date back more than 65 million years.

“The team discovered several arthropod fossils, fossilised timber and various rocks. These fossils and geological specimens will undergo further cleaning and analysis in the laboratory to determine their species and classification,” the ministry shared, in a February 20 statement.

The research expedition included the participation of international fossil specialists and geologists, as well as students from the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) and Royal University of Fine Arts. The study took place on February 20.

The Department received research funding from UNESCO, through the Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO, for the project, which focused on fossil identification and stratigraphy to study paleo-environments in southern Cambodia.

Domestic and international specialists previously discovered dinosaur fossils on Koh Rong’s Koh Por, located in Mondul Seima district‘s Bak Khlang commune, in November 2022.

The first recorded fossil discovery in Cambodia dates back to 2017. Since then, environmental specialists have uncovered numerous fossil types, including marine animals, petrified trees and dinosaurs.

To date, the environment ministry has identified more than 40 fossil sites across Cambodia.