Cambodia is strongly tied to wetlands both culturally and economically. The central part of the country which supports the bulk of the population is essentially one large wetland and has been exploited for centuries to provide fish and rice the staples of the local diet. On the coast, Cambodia holds probably the most extensive and important mangrove forests in the Gulf of Thailand.
Data are hard to source.
Over-exploitation of certain species does seem to have occurred the giant catfish, a main channel migrant endemic to the Mekong, is reportedly extinct in Cambodia. If the use of these chemicals is as widespread as locally reported, their accumulation in aquatic systems and bioconcentration in large organisms, particularly large waterbirds, many of which are globally rare or endangered, represents the most insidious threat currently facing Cambodia's wetlands. While habitat destruction is the single greatest threat to biodiversity in Cambodia, the trade in wildlife and its associated products also holds potentially grave implications for the continued survival of certain species. In addition to subsistence hunting of wild animals and foraging of wild plants, large-scale exploitation appears to cover the whole range of uses with wildlife and products appearing in wild game markets, medicinal markets, wildlife restaurants, and being used for decorative and religious purposes. Trade appears greatest in border areas, many of which are not under government control.