The kingdom of Cambodia
is a land rich in natural wonders, including species of animal,birds, fish,flora and fauna which remain un-document, In recognition of this fact, His Majesty king norodom sihanouk issued, in November 1993, a Royal Decree called “ the Creation and Designation of Protected Areas” which underscored the value of the kingdom’s richest resource: Its abundant natural biodiversity. The decree established a system of 23 protect areas cover-ing 3.4 million hectares, including national parks, wild-life sanctuaries, protected cultural landscapes and mul-tiple-use areas.
Located in the southern province of kompong speu, kiriom national park is the must accessible to to tourists the park includes avisitor’s center built on land donated by the king.Emersed in the middle of the elephant mountains, the park is filled with placid vistas, wild animals, and waterfalls.
The Tonle sap and the mekong River system from the geographical and environmental lifeline of cambodia. As well,The kingdom is blessed with some of the largest remaining virgin rainforests in southeast asia which carpet wide swaths of the country in verdant belt of rich tropical foliage.
along coastal areas, inland natural splendors are complemented by pristine beach with fine sand as white as snow. Deserted tropical isles bask in the sun while gentle waters lap their tranquil shores and swaying coconut trees rustle se-renely in the fresh ocean breeze for the knowledgeable nature watcher Cambodia is a spectacle to behold.
Tonle sap
The extra-biodiversity and hydrology of the Tonle sap River and great lake make it and ecological wonder of the world.
the lake itself is the largest fresh-water body of water in southeast Asia. When the rain start in june or July, The water level of the mekong River begins to rise dra-matically. Flood waters pouring out the aquatic environment which surrounds them, produc-ing a riverine symbiosis deeply woven in to the fabric of everyday life, Khmer mythology, Khmer civilization and Khmer history intimately reflect these seasonal rhythms of the mighty Mekong and the great lake.
Fish &Birds
with the annual replenish-great lake by the nutrient-rich waters of the Mekong, fish yields are some of the highest in the word. More than 300 freshwater species have been identified, includ-ing Crap, giant catfish, murrel, climbing perch and gourami.fish are so abundant that entire communities of river-born fisher folk have spent their whole lives on the waters of the great lake since time immemorial. moreover, the lake and its surrounding shores serve as the home to a plethora of feathered friends. for the as-tute birdwatcher, the kingdom’s riverine system is a winged wonderland unparalleled in Asia. Flocks with countless numbers of birds unique to the region swoop.over the lake, making their homes among the shallow waters and mangrove forests along the shoreline.
Wildlife
Cambodia is home to some of the must significant populations of mammalian wildlife in Asia. Endangered species such as leopards, Tigers, Bentengs, gaur, barking deer and the near-extinct kouprey- the Kingdom’s National animal and the world’s rarest large mammal-have been sighted off the beaten path…In addition, Wild elephants still roam remote pristine forests and monkeys and snakes abound in mountainous areas.
While the international market for endangered species poses a great threat to the preservation of the kingdom’s wildlife, conservationists strive to research, document and preserve them.
An array of beautiful butterflies can be found in season form the sea-side to Siemreap. Swirling blue and turquoise clouds add a touch of magic to the air. black and orange Monarch butterflies, species of black and indigo, and enormous yellow speckled wings in motion, lend soothing color to the panoply of tropical splendor.
Forests
The kingdom is abundant in lush, Tropical forest. In the north-ern half of the country thick jungle canopy runs form the western bor-der with Thailand all along the dangerek mountain escarpment to the rugged, mountainous hills which border Vietnam in the east these ancient stand are rich in hardwoods, including towering mahogany and teak trees.
The northeastern-most province is aptly named Ratanakiri, which lit-really means gemstone mountain, as the area is resplendent with min-eral deposits, including gold, rubies and sapphires.
in the southwest lie the elephant mountains where the kingdom’s highest peak-Mt.Oral-which at 1,771 meters sits majestically overlooking a vast sea of forested terrain.
The mountains along the coast of the gulf of Siam are home to unique stands of pine trees where, buffeted by the seasonal downpour of monsoon rains, these hardy species have taken root.
in the eastern province of Mondulkiri , Where less pre-capitation is found, large expanses of savanna forest-with scenery reminiscent of Africa-can be found. Many of these areas are practically uninhabited and are the home to herds of wild elephants, banteng and gaur.
Flora
Cambodia is a tropical land of densely with tall, elegant sugar palms and waterways filled with reeds water lilies and lotuses.The beautiful lotus, with fragrant pink and white blos-soms exposed in the morning and evening, is sacred to Buddhism and used for votive offerings in temples.the northern forests have thick bamboo, vines, rattans and palms nestled with mahogany, mesanti and otherincreasingly rare woods. The south, including Phnom Penh, has jacaranda trees.urban areas as well as the countryside are resplendent with shady flame trees bearing gracefully their scarlet blooms, towering mango trees, numerous fruit trees including papaya, the red hibiscus, serene rows of tama-rinds and near the sea, casuarinas, eucalyptus and pine trees.
