Genetic study estimates 51 rare Asian elephants in Cambodia’s northern plains. Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) are some of the largest mammals on the planet. The study was carried out during the 2020-2021 dry season and utilised non-invasive genetic sampling techniques across three key protected areas: Prey Lang, Preah Roka, and Chhaeb Wildlife Sanctuaries. It is estimated that there are currently 400 to 600Asian elephants in the wild in Cambodia, Fauna & Flora Cambodia’s press release said. The population is smaller than Cambodia’s primary elephant populations in the Cardamom Mountains and Eastern Plains, which support 200-300 individuals, the press release added. The research was performed at the Royal University of Phnom Penh with technical support from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, it said. It added that having a high level of genetic diversity within a population is fundamental to its long-term future. The findings underscore the potential of the prey Lang Extended Landscape to become a national stronghold for Asian elephants, significantly contributing to Cambodia’s biodiversity conservation goals, it added.