At Least Four Banteng Found Dead in Cambodia’s Protected Wildlife Sanctuary

At Least Four Banteng Found Dead in Cambodia’s Protected Wildlife Sanctuary

Conservation groups in Cambodia are raising concerns after at least four banteng cattle were found dead this year inside the protected Sang Rukhavan Wildlife Sanctuary in Oddar Meanchey Province.

According to the Sang Rukhavan community forest network, another male banteng was discovered dead on May 5, 2026, near a road junction in Char Thmey village, Lumtong commune, Anlong Veng district. Officials reported visible injuries on one of the animal’s legs.

Community conservation teams said the banteng had first been spotted on May 3 wandering outside the protected area while appearing weak and injured. Witnesses said the animal struggled to walk and stopped every few meters due to pain.

After receiving reports about the injured animal, park rangers and local conservation committee members closely monitored its movements. However, by the morning of May 5, the banteng was found dead.

Officials later transported the carcass for burial near the Phnom Andoung ranger station in Lumtong commune. Conservation workers confirmed this was already the fourth banteng death recorded in the sanctuary during the first months of 2026.

In addition to the banteng deaths, community patrol teams previously discovered a dead female deer inside the sanctuary in March. The animal reportedly had wounds across its body and was already decomposing when discovered during a forest patrol.

Local monks and conservation volunteers later held a traditional Buddhist ceremony before cremating the animal near the Prey Pdao ranger station.

Environmental groups say the wildlife sanctuary continues facing serious threats from illegal hunting, wildlife crimes, and illegal logging activities targeting valuable timber species.

The Sang Rukhavan community forest organization has urged the public and authorities to strengthen protection efforts for Cambodia’s natural resources, biodiversity, and endangered wildlife to ensure they remain preserved for future generations.

Banteng are considered an endangered species in many parts of Southeast Asia due to habitat destruction, poaching, and human encroachment into protected forest areas. Conservationists warn that continued wildlife losses could threaten fragile ecosystems already under pressure across the region.