Northern Plains Landscape

By WCS Cambodia

November 25^th, 2024

Cambodia’s Northern Plains is one of the largest remaining intact blocks of the deciduous forest that once covered much of Indochina. The landscape is one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular and important areas for biodiversity. During the last century, it was referred to as the “Serengeti of Asia” because of the abundance of large mammals; these species are rarer now, but it still supports the Asian Elephant, Eld’s Deer, Dhole, Gaur and Banteng. The Northern Plains supports nearly 300 bird species, including five Critically Endangered species: Giant Ibis (Cambodia’s National Bird), White-Shouldered Ibis, White-Rumped, Slender-Billed and Red-Headed Vultures. It is also vital for the survival of threatened waterbirds such as White-Winged Duck, Masked Finfoot, Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, and Green Peafowl.

Together with our local partners, we have developed several innovative community-based conservation schemes that protect threatened birds and reduce deforestation across the three protected areas of the Northern Plains Landscape.

Chhaeb-Preah Roka Wildlife Sanctuary (CPRWS)

CPRWS borders Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. It is a part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, which is one of the 25 global hotspots on our planet. The wildlife sanctuary is contiguous with the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary and contains part of the largest contiguous tract of deciduous dipterocarp forest in the Northern Plains. The area forms a critical part of the upper catchment for the Stung Sen River, a major tributary to Tonle Sap Lake, making this headwater nationally important for climate resilience and food security. The Wildlife Sanctuary contains a diverse mosaic of habitats that supports at least 28 threatened species, including the critically endangered Giant Ibis and White-Shouldered Ibis, and seven endangered mammals, including the Pileated Gibbon, Eld’s Deer, and Banteng.

Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary (KPWS)

KPWS consists of a unique mosaic of different habitats comprising deciduous dipterocarp, semi-evergreen, and evergreen forests, as well as seasonally flooded grasslands. This forms part of this fragile ecosystem's largest remaining contiguous block globally. Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary also constitutes part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. There have been over 280 species of bird recorded in the sanctuary, of which 17 are globally threatened. This includes five critically endangered species, such as the Giant Ibis and White-Shouldered Ibis, which breed in this land area. These habitats provide some of the last nesting sites globally for species such as the Giant Ibis, White-Shouldered Ibis, and Sarus Crane.

Phnom Tbaeng Natural Heritage Park (PTNHP)

PTNHP is rich in natural resources, wildlife, and biodiversity and has the potential for ecotourism development. Its establishment aims to protect and conserve biodiversity and resources in the area. The local community has created a community-owned ecotourism site that attracts national and international tourists. The park features a distinctive tabletop mountain that serves as a hiking destination, where community guides have set up a base camp, complete with western-standard camping accommodation.

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