Cambodia, situated in Southeast Asia, is bordered by Thailand to the northwest and west, Lao PDR to the north, Viet Nam to the east and south, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. It spans a total area of 181,035 square kilometers, which includes a coastline of 443 kilometers. The country boasts a rich ecosystem, ranging from tropical rainforests and savannas to wetlands.

Key ecological zones include the Tonle Sap Lake, known for its significant freshwater fishery; the Cardamom Mountains and the Mekong River Basin, which supports various forms of life. Cambodia’s natural heritage is protected in approximately 23 designated protected areas, including 3 ASEAN Heritage Parks. These protected areas play a crucial role in conserving the country’s diverse flora and fauna. Currently, is home to 97 species of threatened animals and 50 species of threatened plants, such as the Critically Endangered species Indochinese tiger Panthera tigris corbetti, Asian elephant Elephas maximus, Siamese crocodile Crocodylus siamensis for animals, and the Cambodian rosewood Dalbergia cochinchinensis, and Cambodian cinnamon Cinnamomum cambodianum for plants.

The Khmer ethnic group, who make up about 90% of the population, primarily speak Khmer and practice Theravada Buddhism, which plays a central role in daily life and culture. Traditional arts include classical dance, music, and intricate silk weaving, with Angkor Wat being one of the most famous cultural landmarks.

References

• Chandler DP (2008). A History of Cambodia. Boulder: Westview Press.
• Edwards DP, Sloan S, Weng L, and Nguen TD (2014). Mining and the Asian mega-deltas: A critical review of the impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Biological Conservation 169: 228–236. https://doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2013.11.011
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2024). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved from https://www.iucnredlist.org

Cambodia is renowned for its rich biodiversity, encompassing more than 4,500 vascular plants species, 90 species of amphibian, 201 species of reptiles, 195 species of mammals, and 679 species of birds. Despite this impressive diversity, Cambodia’s forest cover has significantly decreased from 73% in the early 2000s to about 51% in 2023. This loss represents a 34% reduction in the area of humid primary forest over the two decades, underscoring a significant decline in a critical component of Cambodia’s forest ecosystem. This decline is primarily driven by deforestation resulting from logging, agricultural expansion and human-induced pressures. 

The anthropogenic pressures, coupled with the effects of climate change, have led to substantial habitat loss and a decline in biodiversity, impacting the diverse wildlife that relies on these ecosystems for survival. In response to these challenges, Cambodia has made significant ongoing commitment in effective implementation of conservation laws, and international collaboration to protect the country’s rich natural heritage and conservation, which aims to safeguard critical habitats and endangered species while fostering sustainable development practices.

Cambodia’s marine biodiversity showcased a diverse range of species and habitats. Mangrove forests in Cambodia, comprising 30 species of mangrove plants, play a critical role in protecting coastal regions and supporting biodiversity. Whereas, the marine plants of about 10 species of seagrasses are vital for coastal ecosystems providing habitat and nourishment for marine organisms. 

It is a home to approximately 1352 fish species, including reef fish, pelagic species, and commercially valuable fish like groupers and snappers. Coral reefs and mollusks around Cambodia are particularly notable, hosting around 336 species of corals and about 200 mollusk species, which include bivalves such as clams and oysters, and gastropods like snails that provide essential support for a wide array of marine life. Additionally, it also supports Crustaceans, including crabs, shrimp, and lobsters, numbering around 150 species, while marine mammals, such as dolphins and occasional whales, are occasionally spotted in the marine waters.

However, Cambodia’s marine environment faces significant anthropogenic pressures. Overfishing, including illegal and unsustainable fishing practices, has depleted fish stocks and negatively impacted marine biodiversity, particularly affecting reef fish and commercially valuable species. In mitigation with this concern, the establishment of several marine protected areas to safeguard critical habitats and species is an ongoing effort of Cambodia to enhance community-based management approaches and provide livelihood options.