Once known for its spectacular wildlife, the area is now threatened by illegal logging, forest clearing and land conversion for plantations and mining. Tigers are functionally extinct with the last known camera trap photo being from 2007. However some of Asia’s rarest species remain in the landscape with uniquely important populations of Asian elephant, banteng, and Cambodia’s national bird the majestic giant ibis.

WWF is supporting the Royal Government of Cambodia on a new approach for preserving the region’s forests and biodiversity – tiger reintroduction. Before wild tigers can be reintroduced, their habitats need to be secured from threats. The political will and financial support shown to bring wild tigers back to the country may be what is required to save this whole landscape as it still has great potential to recover. Over the last decade, WWF has strengthened enforcement efforts to aid in the recovery of tiger prey species.

To further prepare this landscape for its potential to be a secure home for tigers once again, we are providing necessary equipment and training for rangers, enhancing land-use planning and developing sustainable livelihood improvement initiatives for forest-dependent communities on honey, resin, bamboo, and eco-tourism.