Ream National Park Twelve Month Report

Species richness
5
4
3
2
1
041
TS1
041
TS2
041
TS3
041
TS4
042
TS1
042
TS2
042
TS3
Frontier Cambodia Environmental Research Report 1
042
TS4
043
TS1
043
TS2
043
TS3
Phase number & trap site (TS) number
Figure 4: Bar chart displaying the amphibian species richness in the pitfall traps at each trap site in each
phase of 2004
Turtle Trapping
Turtle traps were only able to be set in phases 043 and 044 due to complications, although
during this time our most significant data was collected. There were a significant number of
turtle catches during this relatively short time period, especially in phase 044 TS1. During the
10 day survey 22 turtles were caught. This indicates that there is a healthy breeding
population at this location which is of high significance due to the current plight of freshwater
turtles in the region. There were 17 black marsh turtles (Siebenrockiella crassicollis) caught
during this survey. This rarely seen turtle is IUCN listed as vulnerable and CITES listed, see
Appendix 2. According to Conservation International this species is considered to be
endangered in Cambodia due to over-collection for food and medicinal purposes.
The asian leaf turtle (Cyclemys dentata complex) was found at all sampling sites except for
044 TS4. This species is listed as near threatened and is also threatened by collection for
consumption.
Other species caught included the elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata; Endangered,
CITES appendix 2), asian box turtle (Cuora amboinensis; Vulnerable, CITES appendix 2)
and the Asiatic softshell turtle (Amyda cartilaginea; Vulnerable, CITES appendix 2). The
find of such a large community of turtle species in Ream was a most welcome surprise and
could be an asset in terms of a draw for tourists to the park if well managed.
043
TS4
044
TS1
044
TS2
044
TS3
12