Angkor Wat's gibbons - 14th October 2022

Previously left barren by decades of poaching, the jungle of Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple is again teeming with life. Among the returning species are rare pileated gibbons, whose breeding signals success for the project. Wildlife Alliance began this in 2013, reintroducing one mating pair, starting a journey described by director Nick Marx.

Nick Marx: "We have now released four different pairs of gibbons within the Angkor forest. And they have gone on to breed and now seven babies have been born in the forest in Angkor. So, the project is going very well."

One of the world's most threatened families of primates, gibbons and in particular the pileated gibbon are endangered. Poaching and habitat loss due to commerce; logging, agriculture and dam construction account for much of the decimation of wildlife in Cambodia's rainforests. Poverty also led to the wildlife being heavily poached for consumption as a source of protein, further exacerbating the problem.

Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1992, Angkor Wat has afforded the surrounding forests physical and legal protection, as a result of the temple's status. Having reintroduced 40 different species of animals and birds to the surrounding areas of Cambodia's foremost tourist landmark, it's hoped that this will further spark tourism and boost conservation efforts and education for tourists and locals.

Moeurn Sarin is a local caretaker of the gibbons.

Moeurn Sarin: "I am so happy to conserve and feed all of these animals that come and live in Angkor complex. When these animals grow up, young generation can see them and know animals that live in Angkor include gibbons and others."

Nick Marx is most delighted to see Cambodia's cultural heritage and its wildlife successfully preserved.

Nick Marx: "Angkor is so beautiful! The forests are well-maintained and protected and well-maintained. -The amazing temples, surrounding the amazing temples - and it's such a cultural important site and it's it's iconic! Gibbons, beautiful charismatic species back into these wonderful temples in this wonderful forest, what more could you ask?"