PHNOM PENH, May 25 (Xinhua) -- A conservationist group said on Thursday that hidden cameras placed in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary (KSWS) in northeastern Cambodia's Kratie and Mondulkiri provinces have captured the images of many endangered wild animals.
Wildlife recorded include Asian elephant, guar, banteng, sambar, wild pig, leopard cat, Macaque species (Pig-tailed, Long-tailed and Stump-tailed), Germain's peacock pheasant and other wild birds, said a Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)'s press release.
The wildlife photographs are a proof to show the site's importance for many of Cambodia's most charismatic species, the press release said.
In April this year, WCS's Wildlife Research and Monitoring Team placed hidden cameras (called camera trap) at natural waterholes and wildlife hotspots in order to record wild mammals and birds living in the protected area.
"This study again confirms that key wildlife species are still living in KSWS, making it a very important protected area in Cambodia for wildlife conservation," said Sot Vandoeun, leader of WCS's Wildlife Research and Monitoring Team.
KSWS, covering a total area of 292,690 hectares, is of international importance for the conservation of primates, including the world's largest known populations of black-shanked Douc and Southern yellow-cheeked crested gibbons, wild cats, Asian elephants, wild cattles and several species of birds, the press release said.
However, these important species are under threats due to illegal poaching and habitat loss that requires strong protection to secure their lives and habitat, it added.
"Strengthening law enforcement is critical to ensure Cambodia's unique wildlife remain in KSWS. We need government and local communities to work together to reduce threats on KSWS's forests and wildlife resources," Soth Vandoeun said.
"All Cambodians also play a key role in conserving wildlife by refusing to buy and eat wild meat."
