In Cambodia's Cardamom National Park, hidden microphones, cameras, and artificial intelligence are recording wildlife, including the call of a pileated gibbon, to reveal species secrets and aid protection. Conservationist Ratha Sor of Conservation International (CI) said gibbons are "indicators that our forest is still alive." The Cardamom range, spanning over a million hectares in southwest Cambodia, lost forest cover to deforestation and poaching for decades, though bolstered protections have slowed both, while infrastructure projects like dams remain a serious threat. In 2024, CI published results from the first systematic camera trap survey of the Central Cardamom region, revealing more than 100 resident species, nearly two dozen of them either vulnerable or endangered. That effort involved nearly 150 devices and will be repeated later this year. AFP joined conservationists, rangers, and locals this month as they retrieved and replaced equipment. Local community member Pan Sok, a Chong Indigenous minority member, reviewed footage showing pig-tailed macaques, dholes, and elephants, describing "pride" at the sight. A ranger told AFP he had not seen an elephant once in 12 years patrolling.