Animals and plants as a symbol of Cambodia

In each country, we can identify our national identity by observing the objects that belong to the national representative. This can clearly identify the Khmer nation through some animals and plants, such as wild cows, rhinos, 
royal turtles, carp, palm trees, rumduol flowers and bananas.

 

 

1. Wild ox (Bos sauveli)

 

 

-The quadrupeds are considered to be the symbols of the Kingdom of Cambodia, recognized by Royal Decree.
- National language name: Kouprey

- Characteristics: Body length from 2.1 to 2.3 meters, height from 1.7 to 1.9 meters and weight from 700 to 900 kg. The rattlesnake has long ribs that fall to the knees and extend almost to the ground to the bull. Male and female horns are distinct, with larger male horns protruding and upward, as well as finned tips. Horns. The female horn grows forward, slightly raised, and twists upwards. From the feet below the knees are white or 
gray and dark gray with age.

 

The use of wild cows as a symbol of Cambodia is to show the precious natural heritage and promote national 
pride.

 

 

2. Pseudibis gigantean

- Bird, the symbol of the Kingdom of Cambodia
- Names in the national language: Trayang or Kang Yeak or Ov Leuk
- Characteristics: Dark gray, reddish-brown feet, curved beak and body length of 106 cm.

 

The rhinoceros is protected by Prakas No. 359, dated August 1, 1994 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The world also considers the Critical Endangerd to be listed on the IUCN Red Book as a wild boar. Also. Pythons were originally scattered throughout Southeast Asia, but are now found only in the northern and northeastern regions of Cambodia. Its prey is invertebrates that live in the mud, such as worms, snails, crabs, etc. It prefers to live in dry rainforest with large wetlands (rivers, lakes and ponds).

 

 

3. Batagur baska

 

 

 

- Ongsat, the symbol of the Kingdom of Cambodia
- Names in the national language: Fiber turtle or royal turtle
- Characteristics: White eyes and a raised nose, its snout up to 60 cm long, all gray or black. The big toes have skin attached to each other like the soles of the feet.

 

Royal turtles are banned from international trade under Article I of CITES. The tortoise is considered a globally threatened species on the IUCN Red List. This turtle is considered a royal treasure and has a history protected by ancient royal decrees. This turtle is called the royal turtle to this day because when the turtle eggs are collected, they are only offered to the royal family.

 

 

4. Catfish (Catlocarpio Siamensis)

 

 

- Symbolic fish of the Kingdom of Cambodia
- Names in the national language: Kaho fish or car head fish or carp
- Characteristics: The largest species of fish in Cambodia, with large lobes covering the entire body, except the head and fins. The skin on the body has two separate colors, the skin on the side stripes is dark hazel. The
skin under the side stripes is silver.

 

This carp is a freshwater fish native to the Kingdom of Cambodia and living along the Mekong River, especially the richest in the Tonle Sap Lake. The Department of Fisheries, in collaboration with the Cambodian Inland Fisheries Management Project, released the carp that was caught by marking it to monitor its traffic and growth. Carp were carved by Khmer ancestors on the towers of Angkor Wat. In ancient times, its body was used as a kick in Khmer folk games.

 

 

5. Palm tree

 

 

- Symbolic plants of the Kingdom of Cambodia
- Name in National Language: Palm

- Description: A tall shrub, with a large teal tree growing straight up to 10-25 m. The stems are rough, dark brown, 20-60 cm in diameter, depending on soil quality. The leaf axils are clustered at the apex of the stem. Stems smooth, thick, yellowish-green when young and yellowish brown when old, with spots on both edges. Like a saw tooth.

Palm is a popular plant that represents the Cambodian society and the identity that the Cambodian people mark 
the landscape of their territory from ancient times to the present, in line with the slogan "Palm tree is the home 
of the Khmer people."

 

 

6. Romduol flower

 

 

 

- Symbolic flower of the Kingdom of Cambodia
- Name in National Language: Romduol
- Description: Stems brown-yellow, leaves solitary, alternate, sessile, oblong, 2-4 x 6-10 cm. . Rumduol flowers are yellow-white, fragrant, frost away in the afternoon and evening. The fruit, when ripe, is dark red and can
be eaten.

 

Rumduol grows naturally almost everywhere in Cambodia and is popularly used to decorate homes and public 
gardens. With its ancient Khmer fragrance, it is used as an ingredient in women's lip balms.

 

 

7. Banana egg (Musa aromatica)

 

- Fruits, the symbol of the Kingdom of Cambodia
- Name in National Language: Banana Egg Banana

 

Bananas are widely eaten and consumed by Cambodians of all walks of life. They can eat ripe bananas or processed into banana jam, banana chips and so on. Apart from this, it can be used as a gift or gift for all kinds of 
ceremonies, even for the worship of angels every Shabbat. Most banana eggs are grown in the Mekong Delta, 
especially in the new islands.