Since 2007, the Cambodian
Conservation Otter Project (CCOP)has identified certain priority
sites for otter conservation. Tonle Sap is the best site for
otter conservation in Cambodia. However, it is under pressure
due to unsustainable use of natural resources, related to wildlife
and the flooded forest habitat, especially endangered species
such as the hairy-nosed otter, smooth-coated otter, and fishing
cat. 13 skins of hairy-nosed otters were found for sale in
one villager’s house alone.
To minimize these threats the CCOP recruited four local villagers
- two from Poey Voey village, located near Boeng Chmmar Biosphere
Reserve, and the other two from Along Rang village, which is
near Kompong Prak fish sanctuary, a Conservation International
Cambodia conservation site. They were assigned as local species
researchers, gathering information about local wildlife and
threats, Moreover, sometimes they work as local environment
agency officers, disseminating information about environment
issues to their community through educational material and
the knowledge that they have gained from the project. Furthermore,
to build their capacity, CCOP has provided training in research
methodologies, how to collect otter and other wildlife data,
how to use GPS and maps and so on, and will in future go on
to be trained in basic biology and laws that are relevant and
important to conservation.
After nearly 2 years work with the project, they have collected
a lot of wildlife information, especially about otters. They
have ability to carry out independent research in the forest
to collect otter information, camera trapping, and species
identification. |
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