SIEM REAP: The Angkor Center for Biodiversity Conservation (ACCB) is the first nature conservation center in Cambodia, established with the aim of conserving Cambodia’s wildlife and biodiversity, providing habitat to 965 animals of 30 species, 97% of which belong to a threatened species.
ACCB is located at the foot of Phnom Kbal Spean in Siem Reap’s Kulen National Park and aims to become a focal point for wildlife and environmental conservation activities in Cambodia. As of 2022, 58 threatened animals were rescued, 93 animals were released, ten were transferred to partner organizations and 185 were born in conservation breeding programs.
ACCB Director Christel Griffioen said that since 2015, the project has focused on rare and endangered species, conserving six species of turtles and six rare bird species.
"There are many species that we have bred, but I would like to mention some of our main projects such as breeding the white-shouldered ibis, which has been a success,” she said, “There is also the Bengal florican breeding project and one for the Southern River Terrapin, which represents Cambodia [aka ‘Royal Turtle’]. We also help elongated tortoises, Asian box turtles and other turtle species."
Most of the animals that came to ACCB were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Newly arrived animals are examined for injuries and illnesses and treated if necessary. Upon recovery, the animals are isolated for several weeks for mammals and up to several months for birds for reptiles, to reduce the risk of infection. Newborns are raised by hand, like in the case of baby Bengal floricans.
Ministry of Environment spokesman Net Pheaktra said the ACCB has played an important role in protecting and conserving wildlife, especially endangered species, in addition to breeding and caring for animals. They also help rehabilitate animals that have suffered from illegal trapping. He believes that the work of the ACCB will further increase the number of animals in the wild by breeding and adapting them to natural habitats before releasing them into the wild.
The ACCB has been operating with partner organizations for nearly 20 years with the aim of promoting rescue, providing rehabilitation facilities, education outreach and research, as well as the release of Cambodian wildlife in accordance with internationally recognized standards.
