A herd estimated to number between 100 and 130 individuals can be found within the Prambei Mom Community Forest in Kampong Speu province. Forestry administration
A US-funded conservation organisation has confirmed that Cambodia is home to the largest wild population of banteng (Bos javanicus), a large forest cow that can weigh almost a tonne and stand as tall as a man’s shoulder.
The agriculture ministry’s Forest Administration estimate that the Kingdom’s forests harbour between 1,000 and 1,500 of the rare species – approximately 45 per cent of the global population.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently reclassified the animal from “endangered” to “critically endangered” on the Red List, noting that it estimates an 80 per cent decline in the global population over the past two decades, down to around 3,300 individuals.
“Cambodia remains a vital stronghold for the species, although the national population may be fewer than 1,000 individuals,” suggested USAID Morodok Baitang.
The IUCN's decision to upgrade the Banteng's status to "Critically Endangered" underscores the severe threats posed by persistent poaching, habitat loss, and deforestation.
IUCN Asia noted that the reclassification reflects a global population decline of over 80 per cent in the past 20 years.
USAID Morodok Baitang highlighted, “this reclassification underscores the urgent need for strengthened conservation efforts to protect this magnificent species, which is now just one step away from extinction”.
Notably, the Prambei Mom Community Forest in Kampong Speu province is estimated to host 100 to 130 Banteng.
The community’s 10 forest patrollers work tirelessly day and night to remove snares and protect the banteng and other species, resulting in a significant reduction in snaring and a gradual increase in the banteng population, explained one of the patrollers, speaking to The Post under condition of anonymity.
“We patrol daily to remove snares, even without a salary. When we started, there were only around 40 Banteng. Now, their numbers have grown to between 100 and 130, with mothers and calves,” he said.
A recent biodiversity survey conducted by NatureLife Cambodia, the Ministry of Environment and USAID Morodok Baitang which employed 40 camera traps, confirmed the Banteng's presence in Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary in Mondulkiri and Ratanakkiri provinces. Conservation and monitoring efforts under the Lomphat REDD+ Project, supported by USAID Morodok Baitang, aim to protect and bolster these vital populations in the coming years.
The forestry administration recently announced that its Wildlife and Biodiversity Department, along with local forestry officials, community members and representatives from the Kampong Speu Sugar Company, inspected a site for a new 100m by 200m water reservoir in November, funded by the company and overseen by agriculture minister Dith Tina.
The donation of this pond will provide significant benefits to wildlife animals, which often lacks water in the dry season.
The Banteng is one of Cambodia’s largest wild cattle species. Known for its imposing size and cultural significance, the Banteng plays a crucial role in natural ecosystems and serves as a symbolic species of forests in the region. Bulls can weigh up to 800kg and stand approximately 1.7m tall at the shoulder.
They resemble domestic cattle but are distinguished by their light reddish-brown coat, which darkens with age. Their legs, from the knees downward, and the rear of their bodies are white, while their horns are rounded, shiny yellow near the base, and black at the tips.
