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Cambodia plans tiger reintroduction in Cardamom Mountains
Cambodian officials are considering a plan to bring tigers from India into the Cardamom Mountains. Villagers who recall past attacks have expressed safety concerns. Biologists have warned that the animals may lack sufficient prey.
Jul 11, 1:30 AM·1m read1 source
South China Morning PostAudio version
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Cambodian officials are considering a plan to bring tigers from India into the Cardamom Mountains as part of a US$43 million reintroduction effort. The proposal comes a decade after the last confirmed tiger sighting in the country, which occurred in 2007 camera-trap footage. Residents in the area have voiced safety concerns based on past encounters.
Local concerns One resident recalled a relative being attacked and dragged away more than 30 years ago while collecting resin in the forest. He stated that he witnessed the incident and remains opposed to bringing tigers back.
Conservation considerations Biologists have warned that imported tigers may struggle to survive because prey populations in the forests have declined. The plan would involve moving several tigers from India, which has more than 3,600 tigers. A consultant to the Cambodian government said reintroducing the animals could help restore an apex predator and support tourism.
The Cardamom Mountains area covers more than one million hectares of protected rainforest.
