Experts from the Ministry of Environment and their international research partners have identified 67 fossil sites across 13 provinces since launching their investigation in 2019. The Ministry plans to conduct further in-depth research on some of these remarkable discoveries, which provide a fascinating glimpse into Cambodia’s ancient past.
The Department of Heritage Sites, under the General Directorate of Local Communities, initiated fossil research in 2019 and has since made groundbreaking discoveries. Among the finds were 46 fossilized marine species, 2 freshwater animal fossils, 14 pieces of petrified timber, a fossilized leaf, three fossilized footprints, and Cambodia’s first dinosaur bone.
These fossils have been dated between 2 million and 359 million years old and were uncovered in Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Mondulkiri, Ratanakkiri, Stung Treng, Battambang, Koh Kong, Pursat, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, Kratie, Pailin, and Kampot provinces.
Among the most significant discoveries were:
- A 2019–2020 excavation in Ratanakkiri’s Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary, which unearthed petrified timber fossils.
- A 2022 discovery of a dinosaur bone in Koh Kong’s Tatai Wildlife Sanctuary.
- A 2021–2023 excavation of marine fossils in Banteay Meanchey’s Phnom Bak Natural Heritage Site.
- A 3.5-meter-long fossilized tree trunk found in Preah Vihear’s Phnom Tbeng Natural Heritage Site in 2023, buried in sedimentary rock.
The Ministry of Environment has outlined plans to conduct additional research on fossils found in protected natural areas in Kampot and Koh Kong. The objective is to further explore Cambodia’s southern paleo-environment and collect fossil samples for study.
Seng Sot, Deputy Director-General of the Local Communities Directorate, is leading efforts in collaboration with experts, researchers, and partner organizations to classify the fossils and carry out stratigraphic studies.
The research is spearheaded by the Natural Heritage Department with support from UNESCO and the Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO. The goal is to publicize new fossil discoveries, promote Cambodia’s natural resources, engage stakeholders, and enhance researchers’ expertise.
Recognizing the importance of fossil research, the Ministry of Environment has incorporated these studies into Cambodia’s 2023–2028 Environmental Strategic Plan, which emphasizes clean, green, and sustainable development.
Fossil research remains a crucial element of Cambodia’s scientific initiatives, contributing valuable insights into the Kingdom’s prehistoric landscape and enriching its natural heritage.
