PHNOM PENH: The latest survey of the sarus crane population in Cambodia's Lower Mekong wetlands revealed a decline of 15 birds, from 67 in December 2023 to 52 in December last year.
The survey was conducted on Dec 30 and 31 by staff from NatureLife Cambodia and the Takeo and Kampot provincial environment departments, as well as the authorities of the Boeng Prek Lapouv Protected Landscape in Takeo and the Anlung Pring Protected Landscape in Kampot.
The effort involved 13 participants, including park rangers, Royal Gendarmerie officers, community members and NatureLife Cambodia staff.
Among the 52 recorded cranes, 44 were observed in the Boeng Prek Lapouv area (including 11 juveniles), while eight were found in the Anlung Pring area.
Standing up to 180cm tall, the species, (Antigone antigone), is the tallest flying bird on Earth. It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list.
Four more surveys are planned for 2025, to ensure that comprehensive data will be available for the 2024–2025 annual assessment.
NatureLife Cambodia highlighted several challenges contributing to the decline, such as habitat changes, human disturbances from fishing activities in protected areas and the release of water buffalo into conservation zones.
The organisation called on local communities, authorities and the public to help protect these wetland areas and to refrain from consuming any type of wildlife meat.
“We can protect this rare bird and its habitat – together,” they said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
