Environment and natural resources
Biodiversity
Lucky the elephant cause of death revealed
The results of an autopsy and laboratory tests, confirmed by the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, revealed that the cause of Lucky the elephant’s recent death was pyometra (a uterine infection). ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/lucky-the-elephant-cause-of-death-revealed
World’s tallest flying bird population jumps 20% in Cambodia
Cambodia recorded a total of 214 sarus cranes in 2025, marking the highest number since 2020 and reflecting around a 20 per cent increase compared with the 2024 census. The figure also showed a 37 per cent rise over 2022, according to a statement released ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/world-s-tallest-flying-bird-population-jumps-20-in-cambodia
Environment ministry plans pilot project to grow giant king grass to reduce firewood use
The Ministry of Environment has announced plans to promote the planting of “giant king grass” as an alternative energy source to curb the use of native firewood, expand green cover and help improve the livelihoods of communities in protected areas. ...
Anti-trawling blocks spark marine revival in Cambodia
Illegal trawlers have long threatened Cambodia’s coastal marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of small-scale fishers. ...
Eung Sea
https://cambojanews.com/anti-trawling-blocks-spark-marine-revival-in-cambodia/
Beloved elephant passes away at Phnom Tamao
The Forestry Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced today that cherished female elephant “Lucky” passed away this morning, August 24, following the sudden onset of a serious illness on Friday evening. ...
Post Staff
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/beloved-elephant-passes-away-at-phnom-tamao
More than 200 turtles, tortoises hatched through Siem Reap breeding programme
A Siem Reap breeding programme for endangered turtles and tortoises has achieved remarkable success, with 211 hatchlings born so far during the 2025 breeding season. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/more-than-200-turtles-tortoises-hatched-through-siem-reap-breeding-programme
Million-year-old fossilised tree unearthed for study and eco-tourism development
The remains of a fossilised tree estimated to be between 100,000 years and two million years old has been excavated in Stung Treng province. Almost 20 of its estimated 30 metre length has been uncovered, and be used for research, as well as to promote ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/million-year-old-fossilised-tree-unearthed-for-study-and-eco-tourism-development
Tourism ministry partners up to protect Ratanakkiri’s last domestic elephants
The Airavata Khmer Elephant Foundation, which cares for the last surviving domestic elephants in Ratanakkiri province, will work more closely with the Ministry of Tourism to help protect the remaining animals and promote the province’s eco-tourism potential. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/tourism-ministry-partners-up-to-protect-ratanakkiri-s-last-domestic-elephants
‘Ponlork Baitong’ fair cancelled due to border conflict, free sapling distribution continues
The Ministry of Environment has cancelled the planned ‘Ponlork Baitong’ Exhibition and the National One-Million Palm Tree Planting Event 2025, which were scheduled to take place from August 5 to 7. The ministry highlighted the current need to focus efforts on supporting Cambodia’s frontline soldiers ...
Dolphin guards request more equipment as illegal fishing persists
Patrol teams and community fisheries officers stationed in Irrawaddy dolphin conservation areas have requested additional equipment from the Ministry of Agriculture. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/dolphin-guards-request-more-equipment-as-illegal-fishing-persists
Battambang limestone mountains on shortlist as natural heritage sites
Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Battambang provincial authorities, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and development partners are currently assessing the possibility of beginning the process of listing two limestone mountain areas — Phnom Sampov and Phnom Banan — in Battambang as natural heritage sites. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/battambang-limestone-mountains-on-shortlist-as-natural-heritage-sites
Tina lauds reforestation efforts: 21 million saplings planted by Forestry Administration
The Forestry Administration – under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries – has raised and planted over 21 million tree saplings using state funds, while millions more have been planted by citizens across the country. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/tina-lauds-reforestation-efforts-21-million-saplings-planted-by-forestry-administration
King: Tree planting a ‘green investment’ that brings multiple benefits for humanity and the planet
On the occasion of this year’s July 9 National Tree Planting Day, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni shared how planting trees and all kinds of vegetation is a form of green investment in nature, offering a wide range of benefits for humanity and all living ...
Much-loved elephant keeper will not return full-time, promises to visit Lucky
Try Sitheng has confirmed that he will not be returning to work with the Wildlife Alliance but has instead requested permission from the Minister of Agriculture to be able to visit Lucky the elephant, whom he considers like family. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/much-loved-elephant-keeper-will-not-return-full-time-promises-to-visit-lucky
‘Dolphins now have land titles’, as Mekong habitat registered as state land
A total of 20 conservation and community fisheries areas in eight provinces across Cambodia — covering a combined land area of approximately 25,000 hectares — have now been officially registered with the Ministry of Land Management, including over 20,000 hectares of Mekong River dolphin habitat. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/-dolphins-now-have-land-titles-as-mekong-habitat-registered-as-state-land
Wildlife Alliance: Elephant keeper resigned voluntarily, was not dismissed
The Wildlife Alliance Cambodia has stated that Try Sitheng submitted his resignation voluntarily from his role as an animal caretaker at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, and that he was neither dismissed nor asked to resign. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/wildlife-alliance-elephant-keeper-resigned-voluntarily-was-not-dismissed
Recently discovered gecko species proposed for IUCN Red List
Three gecko species which were identified by a team of environmental scientists in March 2024 in the Phnom Thmor Kambor mountain range in Battambang province have officially been recognised as new species to science. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/recently-discovered-gecko-species-proposed-for-iucn-red-list
Siamese crocodile egg discovery bodes well for species’ survival
Three nests of Siamese crocodile eggs – one of the world’s most critically endangered species – were discovered in 2025 in the Chhay Reap area of Sre Ambel district, Koh Kong province, and in the O’Som area of the Cardamom Mountains National Park. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/siamese-crocodile-egg-discovery-bodes-well-for-species-survival
World Oceans Day marked with ‘100,000 Mangroves’ campaign
This year’s June 8 World Oceans Day celebrations saw the launch of the “100,000 Mangroves” campaign, which will see mangrove trees planted in 13 fishing communities across Kep and Kampot provinces to support biodiversity and nature-based tourism. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/world-oceans-day-marked-with-100-000-mangroves-campaign
Captive-bred greater adjutants learning to fly ahead of return to forests
While Cambodia’s population of greater adjutant storks remains critically low, at just 750. There has been a welcome development at Siem Reap province’s Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB). Two chicks which were born at the centre have fledged and are learning to spread ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/captive-bred-greater-adjutants-learning-to-fly-ahead-of-return-to-forests
Anonymous wildlife crime reporting tool launched in Cambodia
A new initiative, called “WildLeaks”, is now online in Cambodia. It aims to help combat wildlife and natural resource crimes, to protect these valuable assets for future generations. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/anonymous-wildlife-crime-reporting-tool-launched-in-cambodia
Concerns over declining population of rare duck
Cambodia is home to fewer than 100 white-winged ducks, out of an estimated global population of just 800. A recent three-day field survey found only a single individual returning to its roost. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/concerns-over-declining-population-of-rare-duck
Angkor wildlife & Aquarium: Hub for rescue, conservation and education
Reaching beyond an entertainment venue, Siem Reap province’s Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium has become a centre for research, rescue and the conservation of many species. ...
Newest arrival brings Cambodian Mekong dolphin population to 111
A Mekong dolphin calf was spotted in Kratie province on Sunday May 25. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the newborn was about 2 days old. ...
Phak Seangly
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/newest-arrival-brings-cambodian-mekong-dolphin-population-to-111