siem reap – cambodia

Angkor Nature Observatory
& Angkor Area Exploration

Naturalist Exploration & Scientific Eco-Tourism by Christophe Guénolé

A scientific and vibrant immersion into the heart of Angkor’s ecosystems

Far from the usual tourist trails, embark on an exclusive naturalist exploration guided by Christophe Guénolé, environmental naturalist researcher. Over the course of a morning, discover the unsuspected richness of fauna, flora, and ethnobotanical traditions shaping the countryside and forest edges of Angkor

Morning Program

1- Encounter & Observation of wildlife

The exploration begins in the cool morning hours, just as wildlife awakens and becomes fully active:

• Forest Edge & Paddy Field Birds: Observation of birdlife inhabiting the transition zone between cultivated fields and the forest (flycatchers, herons, kingfishers, bee-eaters).
• Insects & Amphibians: Spotting praying mantises, butterflies, and dragonflies, alongside searching for frogs and amphibians in their micro-habitats.
• Mushrooms (wet season): Exploration of the tropical fungal world, discovering sporocarps and understanding their vital role in decomposition and organic matter recycling.

2- Khmer botany & ethnobotany

Along the trail, decoding the plant cover through traditional uses and applied botany:

• Sugar Palm (Borassus flabellifer): Detailed study of the multiple uses of this iconic Cambodian tree—from sap harvesting and leaf weaving to timber construction.
• Dipterocarp Forest: Immersion beneath the canopy of forest giants; discovery of traditional resin extraction (oleoresin) and the structure of these tropical woods.
• Edible & Toxic Plants: Field identification of wild herbs, edible shoots, and toxic plants of the Khmer bush. Learn to recognize what feeds, heals, or poses a danger.

3 – ecological approach & threats to biodiversity

A cross-disciplinary scientific reading of landscapes to understand how ecosystems function:

• Landscape Mosaic: Understanding ecological interactions between wetlands, traditional rice paddies, and forest patches.
• Human Practices & Impact: On-field analysis of threats facing biodiversity (pesticide use, habitat fragmentation, deforestation) and insights on preserving Angkor’s fragile species.

Experience Cambodia Beyond the Temples

Discover the hidden biodiversity of the Angkor region through a unique nature experience guided by a passionate naturalist.