Elephants have been a part of Cambodia’s natural and cultural heritage for thousands of years. They appear in ancient carvings at Angkor Wat, were once used by kings and warriors, and remain sacred symbols in traditional beliefs. But in today’s rapidly changing world, how many elephants are actually left in Cambodia—and what is being done to protect them?

Let’s explore the current elephant population in Cambodia, where they live, and the efforts to ensure their survival for future generations.

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🐘 How Many Elephants Are in Cambodia Today?

As of the most recent estimates:

👉 There are fewer than 400 wild elephants left in Cambodia, and about 70–80 domesticated elephants living in captivity.

These numbers come from reports by conservation groups like WWF Cambodia, Fauna & Flora, and the Ministry of Environment. The wild elephant population has declined significantly over the past few decades due to habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflict.

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🌳 Where Do Cambodia’s Wild Elephants Live?

Most of Cambodia’s wild elephants live in the dense forests of the eastern and southwestern regions, mainly in protected areas:

1. Mondulkiri Province

• Home to the largest population of wild elephants
• Located in the Eastern Plains Landscape
• Dense forest, rolling hills, and grasslands—ideal elephant habitat

2. Cardamom Mountains (Southwest Cambodia)

• One of Southeast Asia’s most important rainforests
• A smaller, more elusive population of wild elephants
• Protected areas include the Central Cardamom and Southern Cardamom National Parks

3. Ratanakiri & Preah Vihear (Northeast)

• Fewer known elephants, but still part of potential migration corridors

🗺️ These regions are often remote, and exact numbers are hard to confirm due to limited tracking and vast landscapes.

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🐘 What About Domesticated or Captive Elephants?

In addition to wild populations, Cambodia is home to about 70–80 domesticated elephants, many of which live in:

• Mondulkiri’s Elephant Valley Project (EVP)
  – A sanctuary where elephants rescued from logging and tourism are rehabilitated
• Cambodian Elephant Sanctuary and local community-based projects
• Tourism and religious ceremonies, although ethical tourism is being encouraged

Some elephants were historically used in logging, festivals, and transportation, but are now retired or rehomed in sanctuaries.

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🛡️ What Are the Threats to Elephants in Cambodia?

Despite efforts, elephants face several ongoing threats:

1. Deforestation & Habitat Loss
   – Illegal logging, land clearing for agriculture, and infrastructure projects shrink elephant territory
2. Poaching & Illegal Wildlife Trade
   – Elephants are hunted for ivory, meat, or traditional medicine
3. Human-Wildlife Conflict
   – As forests shrink, elephants sometimes enter farms and villages, leading to tensions
4. Limited Conservation Funding & Research
   – Conservation requires more tracking, protection patrols, and education

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🌱 What Is Being Done to Protect Cambodian Elephants?

Conservation groups and government agencies are taking several steps:

✅ Protected Forests

• Areas like Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary and Cardamom Mountains are under protection
• Rangers patrol to prevent poaching and deforestation

✅ Community-Based Eco-Tourism

• Projects like Elephant Valley Project (EVP) provide jobs for locals while protecting elephants
• Visitors learn about elephants in ethical, no-riding environments

✅ Wildlife Corridors

• Efforts to reconnect fragmented forests so elephants can migrate safely

✅ Education & Awareness

• Teaching communities how to live alongside elephants peacefully
• Campaigns to stop illegal wildlife trade

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🧭 Final Thoughts: A Future for Cambodia’s Elephants?

Cambodia’s elephants are symbols of strength, peace, and spiritual power, but they’re now in danger of disappearing forever if not properly protected.

With fewer than 400 wild elephants remaining, Cambodia stands at a crossroads:

Will the country continue to lose these majestic animals, or will it lead Southeast Asia in protecting them?

The choice lies with governments, communities, and travelers like you. By supporting responsible tourism, sustainable development, and wildlife protection, we can help ensure that elephants remain a living part of Cambodia’s forests, not just its history.