During our 2 weeks caving in Cambodia in Battambang province in the northwest, in June 2008, we found several bat caves. Some had very large colonies of bats. A few of the caves we did not enter as the stench of guano was totally overpowering, and one cave in particular stunk of almost pure ammonia. This was quite different from Laos, where most caves were devoid of bats, as the locals actively hunt them for food.

An expedition report has been published in BCRA Speleology, 2009, No 13. Extensive information on the caves of Cambodia can be found in the book Atlas of the Great Caves and the Karst of Southeast Asia. See also Cambodian cave fauna

cave in Phnom Banan

This is one cave we didn't enter as the stench of ammonia was overpowering. However a local managed to catch this live bat so I could photograph it before releasing it.

I just stuck my camera inside the cave entrance!

the cave entrance

Tadarida plicata , family Molossidae, wrinkle-lipped or free-tailed bat

skull and jaws of an insectivorous bat

Hipposideros armiger

© Liz Price 2008-2011

Page last updated 28 July 2011