The world's largest cow population is threatened

The World Wildlife Conservation Organization (WWF) today warned that the world's largest population of banteng bison in Cambodia is threatened by hunting and the shrinking habitat.

According to the WWF study in conjunction with the Cambodian government, the number of banteng bison populations in the Eastern Cambodia Plain (EP), northeast of the country, is estimated at about 2,700 - 5,700 heads.

Banteng cow populations living in Cambodia are the world's largest population compared to the global number of 5,900 - 11,000. In other regions like Thailand and Indonesia there are only a few hundred left. Banteng cows are considered one of the most beautiful and graceful animals among wild animals and are considered to be the ancestors of cattle species in Southeast Asia.

Banteng bison (Photo: WWF)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said that banteng bison populations in Cambodia have decreased by more than 90% compared to the late 1960s. Since 1996, banteng bison has been included in the list of species by IUCN. Globally threatened by this rapid and worrying decline in numbers.

Threat causes serious decline in banteng cows due to poaching. In addition, pressure from domestic and international investors on the transfer of agricultural land as well as plans for major infrastructure projects threatened the eastern Cambodia plain.

According to Nick Cox, Species Conservation Manager of WWF-Greater Mekong, accepting a small reserve of land for economic purposes will create an extremely dangerous precedent, undermining efforts. the force that the Cambodian government and conservation agencies have implemented over the past decade.

He added: 'This means Cambodia's protected areas, including those with globally important populations that are living, not protected by the law as people once thought.'

According to experts to restore globally threatened populations of banteng bison, there is a need for stricter management and a strong commitment to conservation from the Cambodian government.