Not much is know about the biodiversity of Southeast Asia. In Cambodia, years of conflict have prevented scientists from gathering data regularly and limited conservation efforts.  Fortunately, in October 2007 our scientists were able to conduct a biological survey of Virachey National Park, one of Cambodia’s most unique protected areas.  While the final report is still pending, preliminary results provide a glimpse into this poorly studied and fascinating area.

Virachey National Park is located in the northeast corner of Cambodia, near the borders with Laos and Vietnam. It is the largest national park in Cambodia, and one of the least accessible. Mountain ranges with no footpaths or villages have both protected the area and prevented biological assessments. 

The park contains many types of habitats, including bamboo, pine forest, semi-evergreen rain forest, and dry dipterocarp forest. The most widespread habitat is its tropical evergreen rain forest, most of which is in pristine condition.