Posted on December, 23 2024
Siem Reap, Cambodia - WWF-Cambodia and the Ministry of Environment successfully concluded a two-day consultation workshop from 23–24 December 2024, laying the foundation for an action plan for Hog Deer conservation and recovery between 2025–2035.
The workshop brought together 54 participants, including senior government officials, conservation NGO partners and community stakeholders, to address the critical decline of Cambodia’s hog deer population. According to WWF-Cambodia’s research, fewer than 100 individuals remain in Cambodia due to habitat loss and poaching, reflecting a region-wide decline across Southeast Asia.
The action plan, which envisions “securing and restoring a viable population of hog deer,” outlines a decade-long collaborative effort to rescue the species from the brink of extinction. Key strategies include strengthening habitat protection, engaging local communities in conservation and establishing an ex-situ breeding program to support population recovery.
H.E. Dr Srey Sunleang, General Director of the General Directorate of Natural Protected Areas, voiced his enthusiasm for the workshop’s collaborative approach to advancing hog deer conservation. “We have to make win-wins together,” he said, highlighting the positive impact of coordinated efforts on both wildlife and local community. He also praised WWF-Cambodia’s support for rangers, which has helped reduce snares and raise community awareness about biodiversity conservation. Working with partners to develop this action plan aligns with the Ministry of Environment’s mission to safeguard Cambodia’s natural environment, as outlined in their Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028.
Alongside the Ministry of Environment, other essential partners participating in this workshop included the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Kratie’s Provincial Administration; the Provincial Department of Environment; BINCO; Wildlife Alliance; Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity and Fauna and Flora Cambodia. Academic partners like the Royal University of Phnom Penh’s Department of Community Development also played a significant role. The initiative is generously supported by WWF-Belgium.
WWF-Cambodia’s Country Director Arun Muttreja expressed optimism for the path forward. “Today’s discussion marks the beginning of a united effort to restore Cambodia’s hog deer population. With the commitment of our partners and stakeholders, we can bring this iconic species back to its rightful place in Cambodia’s ecosystems.”
The hog deer conservation and recovery action plan for 2025–2035 will serve as a critical guide for stabilizing and rebuilding the population over the next ten years. This workshop represents the first step in a sustained partnership to protect Cambodia’s natural heritage and ensure a thriving future for its wildlife and communities.
