Stung Sen Wildlife Sanctuary, Protected wildlife sanctuary in Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia
Stung Sen Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area spanning about 6,335 hectares near the southeastern edge of Tonlé Sap lake. It contains open deciduous woodlands and seasonal wetlands that shift between dry watercourses and flooded forests throughout the year.
The area received official protection status in 2001, followed by recognition as a Ramsar Wetland site in 2018. These designations marked important steps in safeguarding its ecological role.
The name comes from Khmer, joining 'steung' meaning river with 'saen', a Sanskrit-derived term. Local fishing communities have long depended on the waterways and their seasonal cycles for their livelihood.
The dry season offers the easiest conditions for visiting, with lower water levels and more passable routes through the landscape. A local guide is highly recommended, as the remote terrain and seasonal flooding can make travel unpredictable.
The sanctuary serves as a critical breeding ground for threatened birds including the sarus crane, giant ibis, and black-necked stork. These species migrate across much of Asia specifically to nest in the flooded woodlands.
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