The Asian elephant population in Cambodia is more robust than previously thought, a study finds
The Asian elephant population in Cambodia is more robust than previously
thought, a study finds
Sopheng Cheang, David Rising, AP
March 14, 2025
See link
https://apnews.com/article/cambodia-asian-elephant-study-endangered-genetics-dna-6f9064c8e5945f3e7a4b57c016034ddf
for photo.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — A genetic study of Asian elephants in northern
Cambodia published Thursday reveals a larger and more robust population
than previously thought, raising hopes the endangered species could slowly
recover.
Researchers from the Fauna & Flora conservation group collected samples
from elephant dung in Cambodia’s northern plains and extracted DNA. From
the DNA they were able to identify individual elephants, estimate
population size, and determine the sex of the animals and the overall
genetic diversity of the population.
From their work they estimated that there are 51 elephants in the Prey
Lang, Preah Roka, and Chhaeb Wildlife Sanctuaries, with greater genetic
diversity — a “critical factor for long-term viability,” the researchers
said — than in two other areas of the country in which they live.
“With sufficient suitable habitat remaining in the region, the population
has the potential to grow if properly protected,” the report concludes.
Overall, some 400 to 600 Asian elephants are believed to remain living in
the wild in Cambodia. Researchers said the study’s findings underscore the
potential of the northern area studied to become a “national stronghold”
for them, contributing to Cambodia’s biodiversity conservation goals.
“Habitat degradation, especially when it leads to fragmentation, continues
to be a serious concern,” Pablo Sinovas, director of Fauna & Flora in
Cambodia, told The Associated Press.
“This study provides a robust basis on which to base conservation efforts
and landscape management.”
The study, supported by USAID funds and Britain’s People’s Postcode
Lottery, was conducted in collaboration with the Cambodian Environment
Ministry. The genetic testing was done at the Royal University of Phnom
Penh with technical support from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
The research was carried out in the 2020-21 dry season, but Sinovas said
since elephants reproduce slowly it is not thought that the population size
would have changed significantly since then.
Researchers want to replicate the study elsewhere in Cambodia and in other
countries, such as neighboring Vietnam where the Asian elephants live in
fragmented populations.
“We were very pleasantly surprised by the results of the project,” said
Alex Ball, conservation manager for the Royal Zoological Society of
Scotland.
“We now hope to expand this methodology across Cambodia and beyond, helping
to build a clearer picture of Asian elephant numbers, which will inform how
best we can work to help reverse the decline of these spectacular animals.”