Cambodia prepares for tiger reintroduction as conservation plan sparks local concern

Wednesday 08 July 2026 - 09:00

By: Sahili Aya

Cambodia prepares for tiger reintroduction as conservation plan sparks local concern

Cambodia is preparing to reintroduce wild tigers for the first time in more than a decade, with conservationists planning to relocate animals from India to restore the species in one of Southeast Asia's largest tropical forests. While environmental experts describe the initiative as a landmark conservation effort, some local communities remain concerned about safety and the long-term viability of the project.

The programme centres on the Cardamom Mountains, a vast rainforest covering more than one million hectares in southwestern Cambodia. The country has not recorded a confirmed sighting of a wild tiger since 2007, and the species is now considered locally extinct.

Under the proposed plan, India—home to more than 3,600 wild tigers—would provide animals for a carefully managed reintroduction programme. Conservation specialists hope the initiative will help restore a key predator to the ecosystem while demonstrating that species recovery is possible through international cooperation.

Supporters believe the return of tigers could strengthen biodiversity conservation and encourage greater protection of Cambodia's remaining forests. Environmental adviser Jimmy Borah, who is involved in the project, has described the programme as an opportunity to send a powerful global message about wildlife restoration.

However, the proposal has also generated debate among scientists and residents living near the planned release area. Some local people recall historical encounters with tigers and worry about the potential risks of living alongside large predators once again.

Wildlife experts have also questioned whether the ecosystem is fully prepared for the animals' return. Years of poaching have significantly reduced populations of deer and other prey species, while deforestation and infrastructure development have fragmented parts of the forest habitat.

Indian tiger conservation specialist Ullas Karanth has expressed concern that insufficient prey and continued hunting pressures could undermine the programme if ecological conditions are not adequately restored before the animals are released.

Project organisers acknowledge these challenges and say the reintroduction will follow a gradual approach. Tigers are expected to spend an initial period in secure enclosures for monitoring and adaptation before being released into the wild. Conservation authorities are also considering measures to increase prey populations in the reserve to improve the animals' chances of survival.

The initiative has already experienced delays after funding linked to a carbon credit project was suspended and further assessments were requested regarding habitat readiness. Despite these setbacks, conservation organisations continue to view the programme as one of the most ambitious wildlife restoration efforts in Southeast Asia.