Endangered Bird Species Finds Sanctuary in Phnom Penh
The Lush Habitat of Cambodia
Experts say close to 95% of the world’s population of the giant ibis can be found in Cambodia. (NatureLife Cambodia pic)
The country’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts have made it a critical hidden haven for threatened wildlife and bird species; an irreplaceable home for these rare creatures at risk of disappearing elsewhere.
A Sanctuary for the Endangered Giant Ibis
The critically endangered giant ibis, or “Thaumatibis gigantea”, once roamed neighboring Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, but over the years, its population has become extinct. Now, it is primarily found in parts of northeastern Cambodia.
The nation also hosts about 780 white-shouldered ibis (“Pseudibis davisoni”).
Cambodia’s Efforts to Protect the Giant Ibis
“There are 194 matured individuals – almost 95% of the world’s population – in Cambodia, and a few were sighted along the Cambodian-Laos border,” NatureLife Cambodia CEO Bou Vorsak said.
“It is endemic to Cambodia and it is also the national bird of Cambodia. So we are trying our best to protect them.”
Preah Vihear Protected Forest and Provinces
The Preah Vihear Protected Forest and provinces like Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri have become favorite breeding grounds for these large birds.
The Giant Ibis: A Rare Sight
Globally, only 290 giant ibises remain, including mature individuals capable of reproduction, while the rest are either juveniles or older birds in a state of natural decline.
A well-built mature grey male giant ibis is about 102cm long and weighs around 4kg, with a wingspan of up to 55cm.
They often feed on frogs, crabs, earthworms, insects, and mole-crickets, according to wildlife researchers.
Conservation Efforts
“The giant ibis population has dwindled over the years in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, because of poaching, stolen eggs, loss of proper habitats, and decline in forest reserves,” Vorsak said.
“We have formed a working group comprising members of the government, national and international wildlife NGOs, and academia to design an action plan to increase the population of ibis or stabilize their population in Cambodia.
“This plan includes protecting habitat areas, restoring wetlands inside the forest, providing food for the birds, improving survival and breeding, and conducting research for conservation action.”
Conclusion
The giant ibis is an important bird to Cambodia, and conservation efforts are crucial to ensure its survival. The country’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts have made it a vital haven for threatened wildlife and bird species.
Frequently Asked Questions
* Q: What is the population of giant ibises in Cambodia?
A: There are 194 matured individuals, almost 95% of the world’s population, in Cambodia.
* Q: Why is the giant ibis endangered?
A: The giant ibis population has dwindled due to poaching, stolen eggs, loss of proper habitats, and decline in forest reserves.
* Q: What is being done to conserve the giant ibis?
A: A working group has been formed to design an action plan to increase the population of ibis or stabilize their population in Cambodia, which includes protecting habitat areas, restoring wetlands, providing food, improving survival and breeding, and conducting research for conservation action.