Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Seng Tong asked around 100 restaurateurs to sign agreements with the city administration promising to take rare wild animals off their menus.

"We have educated you for years to save wildlife. But there has been no result," he told restaurant owners at a special meeting.

"Now you must sign, and halt this practice immediately," he said. "Whoever is stubborn will face the court and have their restaurants shut down."

Raids by wildlife protection officials this year have rescued more than 1,300 endangered animals from kitchens in Phnom Penh, officials said.

Phat Leng, municipal wildlife office chief, said after Friday's meeting that Cambodians would have to replace their passion for rare animals with sport to stay healthy.

"If people want to be healthy...they must eat normal food and exercise," he told Reuters. CAMBODIA: Tigers, bears to vanish from Cambodian menus.

PHNOM PENH - Authorities told restaurants in the Cambodian capital last week to stop serving rare animals or face closure.

Many restaurants in Phnom Penh serve rare animals because patrons believe eating parts of animals such as tigers, bears, scaly ant eaters, porcupines and turtles can cure diseases and ensure sexual potency.

Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Seng Tong asked around 100 restaurateurs to sign agreements with the city administration promising to take rare wild animals off their menus.

"We have educated you for years to save wildlife. But there has been no result," he told restaurant owners at a special meeting.

"Now you must sign, and halt this practice immediately," he said. "Whoever is stubborn will face the court and have their restaurants shut down."

Raids by wildlife protection officials this year have rescued more than 1,300 endangered animals from kitchens in Phnom Penh, officials said.

Phat Leng, municipal wildlife office chief, said after Friday's meeting that Cambodians would have to replace their passion for rare animals with sport to stay healthy.

"If people want to be healthy...they must eat normal food and exercise," he told Reuters.