Secret Cameras, Mics and AI Reveal Rare Cambodia Wildlife

In Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains, the haunting calls of gibbons echoing through the jungle are being captured by an innovative network of hidden microphones, cameras, and artificial intelligence. This cutting-edge approach aims to reveal the secrets of the rainforest's deep-dwelling species and bolster protection efforts.

Conservationist Ratha Sor views these sounds as a vital sign of hope, indicating that the country's largest remaining intact rainforest is healthy enough to support endangered wildlife. "Gibbons are indicators that our forest is still alive," he stated. By documenting species ranging from pangolins to elephants within the Cardamom Mountains, conservationists hope to secure the future of this vital ecosystem, especially in a country that has lost over a third of its forest cover in the past 25 years.

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Gibbons are indicators that our forest is still alive.

"This is the real evidence... we are conserving very unique species in our landscape," said Ratha Sor, biodiversity and science manager at Conservation International (CI). The Cardamom range, spanning over a million hectares, is considered a critical rainforest in the region. Decades of rampant deforestation and poaching had severely impacted the area, though bolstered protections have helped slow these activities. However, infrastructure projects, including dams, continue to pose a significant threat.

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This is the real evidence... we are conserving very unique species in our landscape.

A 2024 survey using camera traps in the Central Cardamom region revealed over 100 resident species, with nearly two dozen classified as vulnerable or endangered. This effort, involving approximately 150 devices, is set to be repeated. It is complemented by targeted camera trapping to understand population dynamics and animal behavior.

During a recent expedition, AFP joined conservationists, rangers, and local community members, including Pan Sok of the Chong Indigenous minority, to retrieve and replace monitoring equipment. Pan Sok, who considers himself a "jungle man," expressed pride in seeing footage of pig-tailed macaques, endangered dholes (wild dogs), and elephants. "My efforts paid off," he said. While some of these species are found elsewhere in Southeast Asia, sightings in the Cardamoms are rare; one ranger reported not seeing an elephant in 12 years of patrolling.

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My efforts paid off.