Cambodia & Nature : The Kingdom’s yellow-cheeked gibbon population considered as stable

The Kingdom’s yellow-cheeked gibbon population is considered to be stable as the Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in Mondulkiri province is home to an estimated 1,129 individuals, representing the highest population of the endangered species that remains in the wild.

Yellow-cheeked gibbon. Photo C.Bender

This figure is significantly higher than the number of individuals that exist in Laos or Vietnam, the only other nations where the rare apes can be found. The yellow-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae) is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Over the past 12 years, the stable population has revealed an optimistic trend, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia. The society has worked closely with the Ministry of Environment, local communities and authorities, and other conservation partners to protect this rare species for more than a decade.

WCS Cambodia has called upon the general public to play their part in the protection of the species and other wildlife by refraining from consuming bushmeat or participating in deforestation activities.

Mondulkiri provincial environment department director Chao Bunthoeun has stated that forest crimes in the protected areas have declined significantly this year. This has led to an increase in public awareness, he said. He also noted that the Jahoo Gibbon Camp project, an ecotourism enterprise located at Andong Kraleong village in O'Raing district's Sen Monorom commune, was playing an active role in the conservation of the rare gibbons. USAID Morodok Baitang is supporting the camp’s efforts to protect the gibbon from extinction.

Yellow-cheeked gibbon. Photo C.Bender

The research team at World Hope International’s Jahoo Gibbon Camp has successfully extended the gibbon habitat management area by an additional 445.5 hectares in the first semester of this year, expanding the Jahoo area to 691.3 hectares. The project aims to continue to expand the gibbon habitat, with the goal of reaching 1,000 hectares by the end of the year.

USAID Morodok Baitang reports that the latest expansion has created the opportunity for increased research activities and the broadening of the scope of the Jahoo forest watch. This involves direct involvement in the protection of the critical gibbon habitat against illegal logging, hunting, and forest clearance.

Jahoo Gibbon Camp, which belongs to an indigenous community, provides sustainable financial benefits to the community through the sale of tour packages to see the gibbons. In return, the community is responsible for the protection of the rare apes, as well as their habitat and other wildlife.