Asian Elephants on the Rise in Mondulkiri
Cambodia is home to 400-600 Asian elephants. Photo: Ministry of Environment
- By Chhum Chantha
- April 25, 2024 12:10 PM
PHNOM PENH – Asian elephants have appeared more often than in previous years in Mondulkiri’s protected forests with bigger herds signaling that their numbers are rising, an environment official says.
Cambodia is home to 400-600 Asian elephants, most of which live in the Cardamom Mountains and the highlands of eastern Mondulkiri province.
DNA studies by Ministry of Environment officials and partners show that about 350 Asian elephants live in the province.
Ministry spokesperson Khavy Atitya said on April 24 that the number of Asian elephants or wild elephants has risen in wildlife sanctuary areas in the province.
He said the herds of 20-30 elephants have traveled in protected forest and community areas. Herd numbers have increased from three to five compared to previous years, citing a survey by the ministry park ranger. Each herd consists also of infant and teenage elephants.
“It’s sign that they are living peacefully which means they are able to have more offspring,” he said.
He said that this will also ensure the management of natural resources, biodiversity conservation in the natural protection system in Mondulkiri where there are several sanctuaries such as Sre Pok, Lumphat, Phnom Prech and Keo Sima Wildlife Sanctuary.
Asian elephants can be found in South and Southeast Asia and are considered to be under serious threat due to loss of habitats and hunting. They have been listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List since 1986.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this article was translated by Torn Chanritheara for Cambodianess.
