Ream National Park Twelve Month Report

voucher specimens (one of each sex) were taken for previously undetected species. Targeted
expeditions to observe specific organisms were also conducted, such as dawn and dusk
surveys of mangrove areas to observe primate colonies, night walks for nocturnal animals,
and guided walks to the sites of reported sightings by villagers. We maintained regular
contact with the Park’s inhabitants, who were able to suggest possible locations for sighting
more elusive animals and bring specimens to us for examination.
Flora
At each trap-site two plots were selected for a vegetation survey. Two methods were used: 50
x 20 m plots for the study of forest trees, and 2 m 2 quadrats.
The 50 x 20 m plots were marked out along compass bearings using 50 m tape measures.
Within these, every individual tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of greater than 10
cm was numbered using waterproof paint, its position mapped using a compass bearing
relative to the tapes, and its DBH measured at 1.3 m above ground level using a DBH tape.
This data was used to calculate the basal area of wood within each plot. Each tree was
identified by Khmer name and scientific name. Where leaves, flowers or fruits were
accessible, a specimen was taken to facilitate further verification of the species’ identity. An
area of bark was shaved off using a machete and a photo taken to compile a bark
identification guide.
Within each of the plots, twenty 2 m 2 quadrats were positioned in a diagonal line across the
plot and used to study the composition of encompassed flora. The total number of individual
plants in each quadrat was recorded, in the following categories:
• Trees (woody plants at least 4.5 m high; Ashton & Hall 1992)
• Shrubs (woody plants reaching an adult height of less than 4.5 m)
• Saplings (woody plants less than 4.5m high, of which adult individuals are known to
attain a height of at least 4.5 m)
• Herbs and grasses
• Climbers
• Palms (trees and climbers, family Arecaceae)
The varying proportions of these growth forms can be used to draw inferences about the
recent history and characteristics of the sites. The approximate percentage of bare ground
(beneath the canopy and shrub layers) in each quadrat was also recorded.
Within the vegetation plots and quadrats, specimens were taken from any plants seen to be
flowering or fruiting. These were dried using standard collecting techniques (Bridson &
Forman 1992). Opportunistic collections of fertile vegetation were also made outside the
plots.
Human Resource Use
Surveys were conducted covering two groups of stakeholders in the Park. Local inhabitants
were interviewed to assess their views on how they use the Park, how its resources are
changing, their attitudes to conservation and management of the Park, and its other uses, such
as eco-tourism. Tourists visiting the Park were also asked to complete questionnaires about
their experience. A specimen questionnaire is found in Appendix 2.
Frontier Cambodia Environmental Research Report 1
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