Cambodia Kouprey

The Kouprey is a species of wild cattle endemic to Cambodia; its name is derived from Khmer and means Forest Ox. The Kouprey has probably always been rare, and the only significant scientific observation was made in 1957 when zoologist Charles Wharton studied and filmed the animal in the wild. Kouprey populations were heavily decimated by hunting and human disturbance, especially during the wars in Indochina, and no confirmed sightings have been made for several decades. The species is most likely extinct, but occasional skulls for sale in markets still keep some scientists hopeful. If Kouprey have indeed survived to this date, populations will be tiny and intensive conservation measures are needed to preserve their habitat.

The Kouprey (Bos sauveli) is an enigmatic ox endemic to Southeast Asia, listed as Critically Endangered, Possibly Extinct on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Kouprey is a national treasure in Cambodia, yet has been dubbed a “living fossil” since very few people have been fortunate enough to see this mysterious species. Kouprey were first identified as a new species in 1937, based on a calf brought to the Vincennes Zoo in Paris, mistakenly identified as a Banteng when it was captured in Cambodia. Unfortunately, during World War II, the zoo was neglected, and the first chance to study this fascinating animal was shattered. However, the discovery of this new sparked further interest and exploration in Southeast Asia. Scientists believe this animal’s geographic range once spanned parts of Cambodia, Viet Nam, Lao PDR and Thailand. However, the last documented Kouprey sighting was in 1957 in the Northern Plains of Cambodia, by American zoologist Charles Wharton. This expedition captured the first and last known video footage of Kouprey in the wild (see the video here). Over the last few decades, hope for the survival of this species has rapidly waned. Currently, Kouprey are Critically Endangered – Possibly Extinct, and will certainly go extinct in the near future unless effective action is taken immediately.

Any Kouprey that remain are likely to be in Cambodia, and are seriously threatened by hunters and the trade in wildlife parts. The species is also at risk from disease and the demographic and genetic problems associated with small populations. There are currently no Kouprey in captivity. Although there is widespread concern that Kouprey may already be extinct, the inaccessibility of the area and lack of surveys help hold some hope for its survival.

Kouprey status near Watphnom National Park, central of  Phnom Penh city

It was one of the best known zoological discoveries of the 20th century. Shrouded in mystery since its recognition as a new species in 1937, the kouprey -- an ox with dramatic, curving horns -- has been an icon of Southeast Asian conservation. Feared extinct, it's been the object of many expeditions to the region's jungles by adventurers, scientists and journalists.

In a paper published by the Journal of Zoology (London), Northwestern University biologists and a Cambodian conservationist present compelling genetic evidence that the kouprey may never have existed as a wild, natural species.

The scientists compared a DNA sequence from the kouprey with sequences taken from a Cambodian wild ox, the banteng. They had predicted, based on a study of kouprey anatomy, that the kouprey was a hybrid and would show mitochondrial DNA similar to that of the banteng. This prediction was confirmed by the analysis.

The kouprey, the national animal of Cambodia, may have originated as a domestic hybrid, between banteng and zebu cattle, that later became wild. (‘Kouprey’ means ‘forest ox’ in the Khmer language.)
‘The kouprey has acquired a rather romantic, exotic reputation,’ said Gary J. Galbreath, senior author of the paper and associate director of Northwestern's Program in Biological Sciences. ‘Some people would understandably be sad to see it dethroned as a species.’

But, added Galbreath, ‘It is surely desirable not to waste time and money trying to locate or conserve a domestic breed gone wild. The limited funds available for conservation should be used to protect wild species.’ Galbreath has been traveling to Southeast Asia studying its animals since 1999.

Ironically, Galbreath began his work in Southeast Asia hoping to identify a new species of bear. It turned out to be an undescribed golden colour phase of the moon bear. He also was involved in the debunking of another alleged new species of hoofed animal, the ‘khting vor,’ which was only known to science from specimens of its horns. Galbreath and others showed that these horns were the work of human artisans -- the ‘khting vor’ was a fake.

Instead of finding new species, Galbreath said, ‘I've been involved in showing that two named species of large mammal may never have existed.’ But, he notes, ‘In the end, good science is about what is true, not what we want to be true.’