Conservation Efforts in Place to Protect Cambodia’s Giant Ibis
By Vijian Paramasivam
PHNOM PENH, Feb 18 (Bernama) — The giant ibis, recognized as one of the world’s most endangered bird species, has found a vital sanctuary in Cambodia. Conservationists estimate that an astonishing 95 per cent of the global giant ibis population resides within the lush Cambodian forest.
Cambodia’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts have made the nation a critical hidden haven for threatened wildlife and bird species, making it an irreplaceable home for these rare creatures at risk of disappearing elsewhere.
A National Icon at Risk
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.
"About 194 matured individuals, almost 95 per cent of the world’s population, are in Cambodia and a few were sighted along the Cambodian-Laos border," said Bou Vorsak, Chief Executive Officer of NatureLife Cambodia. "It is endemic to Cambodia and it is also the national bird of Cambodia. So we are trying our best to protect them."
Habitat and Diet
The Preah Vihear Protected Forest and provinces like Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri and Stung Treng’s Siem Pang have become favorite breeding grounds for these large birds. They often feed on frogs, crabs, earthworms, insects, and mole-crickets.
Conservation Efforts
Globally, only 290 giant ibises remain, including mature individuals capable of reproduction, while the rest are either juveniles or senescent individuals. NatureLife Cambodia has formed a working group comprising experts from the government, national and international wildlife non-governmental organizations, and the academia to design an action plan to increase the population of ibis in the future or stabilize their population in Cambodia.
The action plan includes protecting habitat areas, restoring wetlands inside the forest, providing food for ibis, improving survival and breeding, and conducting research for conservation action.
"This is an important bird to us, it is our national symbol and we don’t want to lose it from our natural habitat," said Vorsak.
Ecotourism and Sustainable Livelihoods
Prey Veng, a key habitat for the giant ibis, has become a thriving ecotourism destination, attracting local and international birdwatchers while providing villagers with sustainable livelihoods.
Conclusion
The giant ibis is a vital part of Cambodia’s ecosystem, and conservation efforts are underway to protect this endangered species. With its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts, Cambodia has become a critical haven for threatened wildlife and bird species. It is essential to continue these efforts to ensure the survival of the giant ibis and other endangered species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current population of giant ibises in Cambodia?
A: About 194 matured individuals, almost 95 per cent of the world’s population.
Q: What is the main cause of the decline in giant ibis population?
A: Poaching, egg collection, loss of proper habitats, and decline in forest reserves.
Q: What is being done to conserve the giant ibis?
A: Protecting habitat areas, restoring wetlands inside the forest, providing food for ibis, improving survival and breeding, and conducting research for conservation action.
Q: How can the public support the conservation of the giant ibis?
A: By supporting organizations involved in conservation efforts, spreading awareness about the importance of conservation, and reducing carbon footprint to mitigate the impact of climate change.