Cambodia Airlifts 32 Endangered Wild Cattle to Safety

When conservationists in Cambodia discovered a herd of rare wild cattle trapped in shrinking forests, they knew they had hours, not days, to act.

Earlier this month, a team of more than 50 people completed an ambitious rescue mission, airlifting 16 critically endangered banteng into Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary in northeastern Cambodia. Combined with an earlier May operation, 32 of these striking wild cattle now call the protected reserve home.

Banteng are impossible to miss. Their bright white legs and snowy rumps contrast sharply against russet coats, making them one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful bovids. But beauty couldn't protect them from decades of hunting and habitat loss that reduced their global population to just 8,000 individuals.

The rescued herd was living in an unprotected forest patch about 18 miles south of the sanctuary, surrounded by expanding farmland. Poachers had already killed several animals, leaving only skins behind. "If they stayed there, they would have no future," said Romain Legrand, biodiversity manager with Rising Phoenix, the conservation group leading the effort.

His team tried for weeks to corral the animals using ground tactics and fence-like funnels. Adult banteng can weigh up to 1,764 pounds, making them challenging to move. Then they brought in helicopters, and everything changed. They captured 16 banteng in just four days.

The operation required coordination between helicopters, drones, trucks, and local wildlife authorities. Teams used drones to locate the herd, then deployed helicopters to guide them toward collection trucks for immediate transport to safety.

The Ripple Effect

Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary spans nearly 328,000 acres of forest protected by community rangers who patrol regularly and remove snares. The reserve already shelters five critically endangered bird species, including Cambodia's national emblem, the giant ibis.

Now it's becoming a rewilding success story. Since 2022, the sanctuary has welcomed more than 40 Siamese crocodiles. The banteng represent the latest chapter in restoring Cambodia's wildlife heritage.

Post-release monitoring has already revealed two new calves among the relocated herd, proof they're adapting beautifully to their protected home. "With proper law enforcement, no poaching and suitable habitat in Siem Pang, I think there is a very positive future for them," Legrand said. "The population is going to grow quickly, I'm sure."

Local farmers participate in premium conservation programs like "Ibis Rice," which incentivize wildlife-friendly agriculture while building community support for protecting the sanctuary's residents.

A few banteng remain at the original site, but Legrand is confident the 32 relocated animals represent a viable breeding population that will thrive for generations.