Background
From 17 to 22 March 2026, a technical team from the Biodiversity Department of the Ministry of Environment, led by Dr. Chhin Sophea, carried out research, documentation, and specimen collection on wild orchids, the Cambodian giant land snail (Bertia cambojiensis), and other biodiversity in Mondulkiri Province. The work was conducted in cooperation with the provincial Department of Environment, the head of the wildlife sanctuary, and park rangers.
The fieldwork took place in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, Phnom Nam Lyr Wildlife Sanctuary, and Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary.
Scope of Application
The activity covered biodiversity research and conservation-related specimen collection within three protected areas in Mondulkiri. It involved field identification, sample gathering, and transfer of collected orchid specimens for further technical handling and identification.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The Ministry of Environment reported that the team collected three shell specimens of the Cambodian giant land snail, 45 wild orchid specimens representing 13 species, including four species that could not yet be identified pending flowering, one banded gecko species, and several other important biodiversity species.
The ministry stated that the Cambodian giant land snail is a large terrestrial snail living in moist forest habitat and is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. According to the ministry, the species has only limited presence in Viet Nam and has been recorded in Cambodia in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary.
The technical team will continue further exploration during the coming rainy season to clarify the distribution of the species and support more effective conservation action. All collected wild orchid specimens were sent to the Sok An Phnom Kulen Orchid Research and Conservation Center for technical planting and further identification.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This item records official biodiversity research and specimen documentation activity within protected areas under the Ministry of Environment. It is relevant as a reference point for environmental governance, protected area biodiversity records, and conservation planning, but no new compliance measure, permit rule, or enforcement action was stated in the source.
Official Source
Ministry of Environment announcement published on 24 March 2026 via the ministry’s official Facebook page.
