The biodiversity monitoring teams supported by the USAID Supporting Forests and Biodiversity Project (USAID SFB) recently collected camera trap data from two separate surveys in Preah Vihear Protected Forest (PVPF).
Working alongside the Forestry Administration, Kampong Srohnoh Community Forest Committee, and local NGO partners, the USAID SFB has assisted in capacity building, improving understanding of modern biodiversity surveying techniques, and assessing the potential for future ecotourism opportunities that would further empower those living in Community Forests. Survey efforts focused on Trapeangs—watering holes that, throughout the dry season, provide key resources for wildlife and people alike.
The results of the first camera trap survey have revealed an astonishing array of biodiversity thriving in the Community Forest in PVPF, including 8 mammal species ranging from the Golden Jackal pictured below to Banteng and Small Indian Civet.
The second camera trap survey conducted this month focused on small areas of evergreen forest within PVPF that support ecotourism dependent on a White-winged duck roost. One of the aims of this survey was to investigate the mammalian diversity that is also supported in White-winged duck habitat. This not only highlights how small pockets of evergreen forest provide essential refuge for these secretive creatures, but also illustrates the importance of species-focused ecotourism to the conservation of the wider ecosystem in the forest.
The fresh results of the second camera trap survey proved the presence of Gaur (pictured below) and Leopard Cat as well as an assortment of other mammal species.