Drivers of Mangrove Loss in Cambodia: Implications for Carbon Balance and Rare Species Persistence

Abstract Cambodia's mangroves face escalating threats from a complex interplay of primary drivers—including aquaculture expansion, agricultural encroachment, and selective timber extraction—and secondary pressures such as hydrological alteration and climate change. These drivers not only convert mangrove carbon sinks into significant sources of emissions but also critically endanger rare, ecologically specialized taxa like Heritiera littoralis. This nano-review synthesizes evidence on how each driver distinctly impacts carbon dynamics and species survival, highlighting that selective logging of high-carbon-density rare trees constitutes a form of cryptic degradation with disproportionate climate and biodiversity costs. Effective mitigation requires integrated governance approaches that combine spatial zoning, enhanced legal protection for rare species, biodiversity-focused restoration, and sustainable livelihood alternatives. Addressing these interconnected drivers is essential for achieving concurrent climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation objectives in Cambodia’s coastal ecosystems. Keywords Mangrove loss drivers; Aquaculture conversion; Selective logging; Hydrological alteration; Blue carbon emissions; Rare mangrove species; Heritiera littoralis; Cryptic degradation; Coastal zone management; Cambodia