Secret cameras, mics and AI reveal rare Cambodia wildlife
Secret cameras, mics and AI reveal rare Cambodia wildlife
Publish Date: 2026-06-24 22:18:00
Source Domain: www.rfi.fr
- Conservationists in Cambodia are using hidden microphones, cameras, and AI to study species in the Cardamom Mountains’ intact rainforest, including endangered gibbons.
- The Cardamom National Park, spread across more than a million hectares, is one of the most important remaining rainforests in the region, now threatened by infrastructure projects like dams.
- Recent camera trap surveys revealed over 100 resident species, nearly two dozen of which are vulnerable or endangered, indicating the forest’s rich biodiversity.
- Conservation International (CI) and locals collaborate to place and maintain monitoring devices, capturing footage of diverse species like elephants, dholes, and macaques.
- Despite some poaching and deforestation challenges, conservationists are optimistic about the future of these species as evidence of their survival provides a compelling reason to protect the forest.
- CI employs AI trained to identify gibbon calls and distinguish among individuals, aiding in the monitoring of rarely seen species that live high in the trees.
