Phnom Penh, April 18, 2024 – A new biodiversity survey has revealed the existence of over 700 different species in Cambodia’s mangroves. This extensive survey, conducted by the Fauna & Flora International Cambodia Programme in collaboration with the Cambodian Fishing Cat Project and the Ministry of Environment, marks the first comprehensive study of Cambodia’s largest mangrove forests.

According to a news release issued this morning, the survey covered the Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans 23,750 hectares, and the adjacent Koh Kapik Ramsar site, encompassing an additional 12,000 hectares. Among the diverse species identified are the endangered long-tailed macaque, hairy-nosed otter, large-spotted civet, and the vulnerable fishing cat.

The findings underscore the ecological richness and importance of the mangrove habitats in Cambodia. “Our new survey results provide just a first glimpse at the biodiversity of the area," the release stated. "We are confident that future, more in-depth surveys will uncover even more species, potentially revealing new ones that have yet to be documented.”

The discovery highlights the critical need for ongoing conservation efforts in these vital ecosystems, which play a significant role in supporting wildlife and combating climate change by storing carbon.