Porcupines join Angkor’s rewilding drive

Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park has taken another step in its ambitious rewilding programme with the introduction of two porcupines, marking the first time the species has been released into the protected forest.

The animals, handed over by a military commander in Oddar Meanchey province who had kept them in captivity for several years, were formally presented to the Apsara National Authority (ANA) on 25 May. They will undergo a period of acclimatisation before being released into the Angkor forest.

According to Try Sitheng, director of the Cambodia Wildlife Conservation organisation (CWC), the transfer reflects a broader vision of combining wildlife protection with eco-tourism. “Visitors should not only see ancient temples, but also experience Cambodia’s natural heritage,” he said.

Nick Marx, a biodiversity adviser to the ANA, explained that porcupines play a vital ecological role, particularly in seed dispersal, which helps regenerate forest ecosystems. He stressed that careful preparation is essential to ensure the animals adapt successfully to their new environment.

Officials note that porcupines already exist in the Angkor forest, and the addition of two more individuals is expected to strengthen the population and potentially contribute to future breeding.

The rewilding initiative, launched in 2013, has already seen the successful release of species such as gibbons, langurs, hornbills, otters and pangolins. Many have since established breeding populations, signalling progress in restoring biodiversity to one of Cambodia’s most iconic cultural landscapes.

The latest introduction highlights the continued expansion of Angkor’s ecological restoration strategy. For conservationists, it is a reminder that safeguarding wildlife is as much about protecting Cambodia’s natural heritage as it is about preserving its world-famous temples.

-2026-05-27