
© WWF-Cambodia
The most abundant type of forest found in the region is deciduous dipterocarp forest. Typically this forest will have an open canopy combined with a grassy under-storey. The six species of Dipterocarp-trees found in the Eastern Plains landscape shed their leaves during the dry season months (November to April).
Semi-evergreen forest also occurs in the Eastern Plains Landscape, generally in areas of higher quality soils and at higher elevation. These forests have a taller and more multilayered structure than deciduous dipterocarp forests. Bamboos are common in the semi-evergreen forests.

© Andrew Maxwell/ WWF
The Eastern Plains Landscape of northeast Cambodia is home to six ungulate species, which will prove key prey species for the tiger when it is reintroduced to the landscape.
Densities of three of these ungulate species are robustly monitored by WWF. These are: Banteng, Muntjac and Wild Pig. See Figure 1 for density data collected by WWF from the 2013/14 dry season.
It is from this population density data that the EPL's tiger carrying capacity for the tiger reintroduction was calculated.
Figure 1.
WWF population density data for key prey species based on 2013/14 dry season data using robust distance based line transect sampling within the Mondulkiri Protected Forest core zone (for methodolgy please refer to this paper which used the same line transect sampling)
In Cambodia, Banteng are considered to be the most beautiful and graceful of all the wild cattle species, and most likely to be the ancestor of Southeast Asia’s domestic cattle.
Once fully grown, Banteng can weigh up to 900kg and reach 7.5ft in length. They are found in open areas close to dense thickets and forests in south east Asia and their diet consists of grasses and other vegetation.

© Fletcher & Bayliss / WWF-Cambodia
Muntjacs are small in stature, but the Red Muntjac is one of the larger species, weighing up to 28 kg and would make a good source of prey for tigers.
The Red Muntjac is generally nocturnal, but in protected areas where the animals are not being poached, they may be active during the day as well. They inhabit a wide variety of forest types and their diet includes young leaves, shoots, tree bark, grass and fallen fruits, as well as small baby birds and eggs.

© Fletcher & Bayliss / WWF-Cambodia
Wild pigs usually live in groups of between 6 and 20 individuals, although large herds of around 100 have been seen.
Although it primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, roots and tubers, the wild pig is omnivorous and has been known to eat a wide range of foods, including some animal matter.

© FA / WWF-Cambodia

© WWF-Cambodia

© Fletcher & Bayliss

© FA / WWF-Cambodia