Cambodia, a Southeast Asian nation, offers rich natural beauty and ecological diversity. Its landscapes range from expansive lowlands to rugged mountain ranges. These varied environments support a wide array of life, making it a captivating destination for those interested in the natural world.
Defining Geographical Features
Cambodia’s geography is defined by its central plains, which cover approximately 75% of the country’s area. These low-lying plains, generally less than 100 meters in elevation, encompass the Mekong River basin and the Tonle Sap Lake region. The Mekong River, flowing from north to south, serves as a significant waterway, dispersing its waters into surrounding wetlands and enriching agricultural lands with deposited sediment during annual floods.
The Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, is a key ecological feature, connected to the Mekong River by the Tonle Sap River. This lake experiences a seasonal flood pulse, where its size expands significantly during the wet season, reversing the Tonle Sap River’s flow and flooding vast surrounding areas. This creates a dynamic environment supporting high biodiversity. Surrounding these central plains are mountain ranges, including the Cardamom Mountains and the Elephant Mountains in the southwest, and the Dangrek Mountains to the north. The Cardamom Mountains, rising to over 1,500 meters, include Phnom Aural, Cambodia’s highest peak at 1,810 meters.
Richness of Ecosystems
Cambodia’s diverse geography supports diverse natural habitats. Forest types include evergreen, deciduous, and mangrove forests, which collectively cover about two-thirds of the country. Mangrove forests, found along Cambodia’s coastline, are significant, providing breeding grounds for aquatic life and protecting shorelines from erosion. The coastal areas, including those in Koh Kong and Kampot provinces, also feature coral reefs and seagrass beds, which are productive ecosystems supporting marine biodiversity.
Beyond the coastal mangroves, Cambodia’s wetlands are extensive, covering over 30% of the land. These include the vast floodplains of the Mekong River and the areas surrounding Tonle Sap Lake, which are replenished by seasonal flooding. These freshwater wetlands support numerous species and are important for agriculture and fisheries. This array of environments contributes to Cambodia’s rich biodiversity, sustaining a wide range of plant and animal life.
Unique Wildlife Inhabitants
Cambodia’s varied ecosystems are home to remarkable animal species, some of which are endangered. The country supports large mammals such as Asian elephants, found in national parks like Botum Sakor National Park. Various primate species, including gibbons and macaques, inhabit the dense forests, and gibbon calls often echo through areas like the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary.
Aquatic environments also host notable species. The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) is found in the Mekong River, particularly in a stretch between Cambodia and Laos. Recognized by its rounded forehead and short beak, this dolphin is globally endangered, with Mekong freshwater populations critically endangered. Estimates suggest fewer than 85 individuals remain in the Cambodian Mekong, highlighting their precarious status.
Reptiles and amphibians thrive in Cambodia’s diverse habitats. Species such as Siamese crocodiles and various turtles are found in wetland and riverine areas. The country’s birdlife is diverse, with notable species like the Eastern Sarus Crane and Bengal Florican inhabiting the wetlands. These species underscore the ecological significance of Cambodia’s natural landscapes.
Safeguarding Natural Heritage
Cambodia protects its natural environment through a network of protected areas established to conserve ecosystems and wildlife. These include national parks like Virachey National Park, Phnom Kulen National Park, and Ream National Park. Wildlife sanctuaries like Phnom Aural, Peam Krasop, and Koulen Prum Tep Wildlife Sanctuary also safeguard large tracts of land. Many of these areas, established under the 1993 Royal Decree on Natural Protected Areas, preserve nature, scenic views, and wildlife.
Conservation initiatives include habitat restoration, such as replanting native vegetation and restoring wetlands. Anti-poaching patrols and law enforcement combat illegal hunting and habitat destruction, particularly for endangered species. Local communities participate through community-based conservation programs, involving residents in activities like wildlife monitoring and ecotourism. International organizations also contribute, working alongside the Cambodian government to ensure the long-term viability of these natural assets for future generations and global biodiversity.