The sanctuary is one of the last remaining global habitats for the critically endangered Giant Ibis.
The protected area covers land across three separate Cambodian provinces.
The local terrain is dominated by deciduous dipterocarp forest, which is highly adapted to seasonal fire cycles.
Community-based ecotourism projects within the sanctuary allow local villagers to earn income by protecting wildlife rather than hunting.
The sanctuary was formally established in 1993 to protect the rapidly depleting natural resources of the northern plains.
Kulen Prum Tep Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Cambodia's largest protected areas, spanning over 400,000 hectares across Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Siem Reap provinces. It functions primarily as a habitat for threatened species, including the endangered Giant Ibis, the national bird of Cambodia. The landscape consists of a mix of deciduous dipterocarp forest, grasslands, and wetlands that support seasonal waterbird migrations. Conservation efforts here focus on mitigating illegal poaching and timber extraction. The sanctuary provides a critical corridor for wildlife movement between the Dangrek Mountains and the Tonle Sap basin. Visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems which house a high density of bird species, rare primates, and smaller mammals.
The elevated viewing platforms near community-managed water holes where birds congregate.
Bring high-quality binoculars for bird watching, as animals are often skittish and far from trails.
Hire a local community guide to navigate the vast, unmarked terrain safely.
Wear long-sleeved clothing and use effective insect repellent due to the high prevalence of mosquitoes in wetland areas.
Avoid visiting during the peak of the rainy season, as many forest tracks become impassable due to deep mud.
