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Site description (2003 baseline):
Site location and context
The IBA comprises a large area of lowlands in south-western Mondulkiri and eastern Kratie provinces, which forms part of one of the largest remaining relatively undisturbed natural landscapes in mainland South-east Asia. The topography of the IBA is gently undulating, with elevations ranging from c.50 to 350 m asl. The vegetation of the IBA is characterised by a mosaic of semi-evergreen forest and deciduous dipterocarp forest, varying from open savanna to tall, closed canopy forest. Interspersed among these forest formations are pools, permanent streams and seasonally wet meadows, which are a major factor influencing the distribution of wildlife communities. The north-eastern part of the IBA is included within Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary.The IBA supports one of the most intact remaining examples of the bird community of the dry forests of central Indochina, including such species as Giant Ibis Pseudibis gigantea, Green Peafowl Pavo muticus and Sarus Crane Grus antigone. Notably, the relative abundance of large ungulates means that the IBA may have greater potential to support viable populations of White-rumped, Long-billed and Red-headed Vultures Gyps bengalensis, G. indicus and Sarcogyps calvus than most other areas in mainland South-east Asia.
Non-bird biodiversity: Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis), Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina), Slow Loris (Nycticebus coucang), Silvered Langur (Semnopithecus cristatus), Douc Langur (Pygathrix nemaeus), Silvered Langur (Semnopithecus cristatus).Yellow-headed Temple Turtle (Hieremys annandalii), Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) Malayan Box Turtle (Cuora ambionensis).Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), Gaur (Bos gaurus) and Banteng ( B. javanicus).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Human settlement within the IBA is largely restricted to Memong town, with little settlement outside of this area. Commercial hunting is a particular threat to populations of large mammals but is less of a threat to bird populations, but for the notable exception of Green Peafowl, which is specifically targeted due to its value in the wildlife trade.. In addition, subsistence hunting of smaller species is currently low. The major potential future threat to biodiversity at the IBA is planned and unplanned human in-migration, and the agricultural expansion and increase in hunting that would accompany it.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Recommendations;- A mapping of key wetlands, breeding areas and human presence within the Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary and Mondulkiri Protected Forest should be carried out. This will require further surveys and should be used to inform conservation planning.- Relevant recognition of the above in Provincial and National development plans.- Measures to counter hunting and trade of wildlife must be put in place throughout the area. This should start with setting up patrolling systems in the Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary and Mondulkiri Protected Forest.- Core areas should receive strict protection under the existing structures of Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mondulkiri Protected Forest.- Immigration, illegal settlement and land encroachment into the most important and critical areas across the IBA should be prevented.
Overlaps with Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Mondulkiri - Kratie Lowlands (Cambodia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/mondulkiri--kratie-lowlands-iba-cambodia on 22/11/2024.
