10 Awesome Native Animals To Spot In Cambodia

Waquar Habib

Irrawaddy Dolphin

Found in the Mekong River near Kratie, this rare freshwater dolphin is critically endangered, with fewer than 100 individuals remaining. It has a distinctive blunt head and no beak.

A shot of an irrawaddy dolphin | delphi.vc/instagram

Sun Bear

The world’s smallest bear species, the sun bear is native to Cambodia’s dense forests. It is known for its golden chest patch and long tongue used to extract insects.

A sun bear in its habitat | bear.ins/instagram

Pileated Gibbon

This acrobatic primate inhabits the Cardamom Mountains. Recognised by its loud whooping calls and sexual dimorphism in colour, it plays a vital role in seed dispersal and forest health.

A shot of a pileated gibbon | Magnus Duus Asmussen/Wikimedia Commons

Giant Ibis

Cambodia’s national bird, the critically endangered giant ibis is found mainly in northern wetlands. It stands over a metre tall and is known for its haunting, low-pitched calls.

A giant ibis in Cambodia | accb_cambodia/instagram

Sunda Pangolin

Heavily trafficked for its scales, this nocturnal mammal is covered in keratin plates and feeds on ants and termites. It is critically endangered and protected under national law.

A sunda pangolin in its habitat | karenbwinnick/instagram

Smooth-coated Otter

This social, semi-aquatic mammal lives along Cambodia’s rivers and wetlands. It is the largest otter species in Asia, known for its smooth fur and loud, chirping communication.

A smooth-coated otter | stickyricetravel/instagram

Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog)

A rare sight in the Cardamom Mountains, the dhole lives in highly social packs. It is a fast, agile predator with a unique whistle-like call and rust-coloured coat.

Two Asiatic wild dogs play around | siva.an.photography/instagram

Malayan Porcupine

Common in forested areas, this nocturnal rodent uses sharp quills for defence. It feeds on roots, fruits, and bark, and plays an important role in seed dispersal.

A shot of a Malayan porcupine | stickyricetravel/instagram

Bengal Slow Loris

This small, nocturnal primate with large eyes is native to Cambodian rainforests. It produces a mild toxin from its elbows, making it one of the few venomous mammals.

A shot of Bengal slow loris | sanjay_ifs/instagram

Reticulated Python

One of the world’s longest snakes, this non-venomous constrictor is found in wetlands and forests. It can exceed six metres in length and preys on birds, mammals, and reptiles.

A close-up of a reticulated python | Wikimedia Commons

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