The Discovery
In Stung Treng province, Cambodia, environmental experts have uncovered three large fossilized trees estimated to be between 100,000 and 2 million years old. The specimens were found at an excavation site on Phou Ngoy Mountain, located in Katot village within the Sesan district.
This work follows an earlier dig on Phou Ngoy Mountain in July 2025, when ministry specialists, local officials, and residents uncovered a fossilized tree nearly 17 meters long and 1 meter in diameter from a flowering, fruit-bearing species. That initial find prompted a second excavation in October 2026, which uncovered the three additional fossilized trees reported on October 27. To date, four fossilized trees have been discovered on the mountain.
What Scientists Found
According to Lim Vannchan, office head at the Department of Natural Heritage under the General Directorate of Local Communities, the excavation site features three main pits containing distinct findings:
- The first pit holds a fossilized tree measuring 40 meters long and 1.5 meters in diameter, featuring an impressive base diameter of 4 meters.
- The second pit contains a tree base and other fossilized fragments that scientists are currently studying to identify.
- The third pit contains a fossilized tree measuring 10 meters in length and 1.5 meters in diameter.
Why It Matters
These discoveries add to a growing list of ancient sites across the country. As of 2026, experts have documented 78 fossil sites across several Cambodian provinces. Previous discoveries include fossilized wood in Ratanakiri province's Lumphat district during 2019–2020, Cambodia's first dinosaur bone in Koh Kong province in 2022, and fossilized wood at Phnom Tbeng in Preah Vihear province in 2024.
The Ministry of Environment plans to continue excavations at the Stung Treng location in 2027 to collect more data and confirm historical details. In addition to aiding scientific research, officials aim to transform the site into a green recreational area and a hub for nature and history tourism.
Source: dinosaur fossil discovery - BingNews · Published November 01, 2026 · Photo by Sebastian on Unsplash
