3.4. Other Natural Wonders

3.4.1. Wild animals

Generally, existing knowledge on the occurrence of wildlife in the coastal zone is limited due to fewer surveys by various institutions. Therefore, many reports were released about coastal wildlife species based on old or unclear source data.

According to the survey on specific areas of the Participatory Management of Mangrove Resources, there are perhaps 190 bird species (some unknown) existing in the Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary. A few birds are found in the sanctuary throughout the year and others migrate from other areas of Cambodia. Further work needs to be done, both with local people and bird experts, to verify these results.

After combining information with local communities, the Participatory Management of Mangrove Resources team released information that there are 29 reptile species in Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary. Among these species, some are rare, for example, the sea turtle and scaly anteater.

Approximately ten mammal species are known to live in the Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary. This number is much lower than in past years when older people discussed the number of mammal species that were in the Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wildlife species, such as small deer, water chicken, mangrove monkey, large bats and wild lizards, are hunting targets in the Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary.

3.4.2. Coral reefs

Coral reefs are reported to exist in almost all areas around islands off the coast of Cambodia. Little is known about the distribution, composition or health of the coral reefs in Cambodia as there have not been any systematic surveys carried out in the country. However, at least 16 species of coral reefs have been reported from various islands off the coast such as Pocillopora, Acropora, Montipora, Anacropora, Porites, Alveopora, Coeloseris, Favia, Favites, Platygyra, Echinopora, Montastrea, Cyphastrea, Goniastrea, Lobophyllia, Symphyllia, and Galaxea (Refer to Environmental Concepts and Issues: A focus on Cambodia.)

Coral reef plays an important role for fish and aquaculture life habitats. In addition to this function, it is also used for household decorations and souvenirs.

As a result of fishing and other human activities, including harvesting for domestic purposes, coral reefs are threatened and tend to decline if improperly managed.

3.4.3. Sea-Grass

Similar to the situation of coral reefs in Cambodia, has not been surveyed. Sea-grass in Cambodia can be divided into two main types: extensive sea-grass meadows along the mainland and patches of sea-grass intermingled with coral around islands. Muddy coasts have a crucial role in supporting sea-grass beds. Inshore sea-grass beds are mixed stands of several species, while offshore, the large sea-grass Enhalus acoroides occurs in extensive beds. Small sea-grass beds have been found on Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samlem. Practically, sea-grass has important roles to:

• provide important nursery and feeding grounds for economically important species of fish, prawn and other aquatic species;

• reduce, current energy, and increase dissolved oxygen level;

• help filter suspended sediments from water and stabilise bottom sediments;

• provide a complex habitat for diverse and abundant flora and fauna;

• act as nutrient sink, buffering and filtering nutrient and chemical inputs to the marine environment; and

• support numerous food chains.

From day to day, sea-grass is vulnerable to damage due to human activities, including fisheries with illegal fishing facilities and excessive siltation and turbidity, shading and water pollution.

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Table of contents > 3. Sea Area

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Coastal ecosystems

3.3. Coastal resources

3.4. Other Natural Wonders

3.5. Fisheries

3.6. Oil and Gas

3.7. Salt pans

3.8. Medical plants

3.9. Threats to marine environment

3.10. Threats to the coastal environment