Saving Wildlife of Phnom Tnout

Our family has been working to protect the forest of Phnom Tnout  Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia since 2012. Phnom Tnout is home endangered banteng (a wild cow), pileated gibbons and silvered langurs and at least four other endangered listed species. Habitat for these special animals is fast declining and under constant pressure from threats of poaching through guns and snares; and loss of habitat through illegal logging and land clearing. Ben has been working tirelessly through patrolling - with both community and government rangers to stem these illegal activities. Last year there were over 70 chainsaws confiscated, a number of people arrested and over 700 snares picked up. This fundraising campaign is to help to pay for some of the expenses involved in patrolling: equipment and stipends for these protectors of the forest. Without patrolling efforts the forest here will soon be silent - like much forest in other parts of Asia: devoid of wildlife and even birds. It is important to act now while there is still something to protect.

This job is hard and dangerous with little benefit. A typical patrol involves a long hard walk in the hot Cambodian forest; looking for signs of people doing illegal activities - listening for a chainsaw, a gun. Then tracking down these people and attempting to apprehend them. There is sometimes a chase. Resistance is often faced. These people usually have weapons of some kind either a gun (they make these illegal muzzle loading home-made guns) or at least knives and machetes. But without such efforts, the wildlife will be gone and the forest will be cut down.  We must do something!

Your funds will help support these efforts and save the forest and its animal inhabitants of Phnom Tnout.