Biodiversity Monitoring Unit

The Biodiversity Monitoring Unit (BMU) monitors the Critically Endangered species in the sanctuary. The unit is also responsible for the implementation of species restoration and re-introduction projects.

Camera Trapping

Camera traps provide a useful tool for gaining an insight into the presence and relative abundance of wildlife species that are otherwise difficult to observe and monitor by more conventional means. Rangers at places where target wildlife species are most likely to pass through set cameras. Such places may include trapeangs, along streams or streambeds and trails through the forest. Camera trapping in Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary has confirmed the presence of several globally threatened mammal species including dhole, sun bear, and two species of cattle: banteng, and gaur. Hunting has reduced some of these species to levels at which they cannot be readily detected during the daytime. Camera trapping has also revealed a further insight into human use of the forest, including illegal activities such as logging.

Monitoring Vulture Populations

Vulture restaurants provide supplementary feeding to vultures. They also serve as a means to mnitor vulture populations. Siem Pang supports 80% of the Cambodian vulture population. The Biodiversity Monitoring Unit additionally monitors vulture populations by searching for nests and by fitting GPS trackers. From these data we know that Siem Pang is the only site in Cambodia that supports all 3 vulture species. We have also learned where vultures disperse across the country. We now have 10 vultures with GPS trackers whose movements can be monitored in real time.

Vulture Monitoring and Siamese Crocodile Films

Our BMU was greatly involved in our Siamese crocodile release and our vulture monitoring. Watch all of these projects on our YouTube channel.