Rich plant and animal life is under threat

The officials say that loggers are taking advantage of Cambodia's political instability, grabbing land in the belief that no one will be able to stop.

Cambodia has been without a government since general elections in July, because of delays in forming a new coalition government amid allegations of corruption.

Armed operators are said to be taking advantage of the political confusion, cutting down valuable tropical hardwoods in the Bokor National Park - once proposed as a United Nations World Heritage site because of its rich plant and animal life.

In the southern section of Bokor, more than 60% of logging over the past five years has occurred since the July elections.

Officials say similar developments are also taking place in the country's other protected parks and reserves.

Loggers are clearing some areas by burning, and often staking a claim to the land putting in banana and pineapple plantations.

Military and police involvement

Park Rangers and officials at the Ministry of Environment believe that high-ranking military and police officials are involved in the illegal activities.

Park officials have welcomed the recent arrival of a government delegation to investigate the illegal logging after Prime Minister Hun Sen last week pledged to strengthen protection of the forest.

A delegation from the Interior Ministry, including 24 armed police, travelled to Bokor on the orders of the National Police Director to see evidence of the widespread logging for themselves.