PHNOM PENH: A total of 308 bird species have now been recorded in the Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary in Ratanakkiri and Mondulkiri provinces, according to NatureLife Cambodia. The findings were included in a bird survey report, released on Friday (May 22), to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity.
The figure was reached through a combination of previous data and newly documented records. They include Cambodia’s national bird, the giant ibis, as well as the white-shouldered ibis, red-headed vulture, and green peafowl. 22 of the species observed are classified as globally threatened IUCN Red List.
A rapid survey, conducted by NatureLife Cambodia in collaboration with the Ratanakkiri and Mondulkiri Provincial Departments of Environment, recorded 182 species through direct sightings. The findings will improve baseline data of bird species at the sanctuary, and will be used to monitor the impacts of the LWS REDD+ Project in the longer term.
Phon Khemrin, director of the Ratanakiri environment department, said the results of the survey demonstrated the strong collaboration among partners, through a shared commitment to implementing joint actions for the protection and conservation of Cambodia’s rich natural resources, in line with the Ministry of Environment’s Circular Strategy.
It is the first time that the sanctuary has developed a survey report, and he believed the baseline of 308 species was a fantastic result.
“Our mission goes beyond protecting birds; it involves maintaining a healthy ecosystem and ensuring the natural habitats and resources benefit our communities for years to come,” he said.
Has Vibol, director of the Mondulkiri department, said this survey was cause for optimism.
“It is a key indicator to measure the success of REDD+ Project implementation in this landscape,” he said, adding that he hoped the presence of so many bird species would attract more tourists to the kingdom’s northeastern provinces.
Bou Vorsak, CEO of NatureLife Cambodia, noted that the Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most important places of its kind in the world.
Since 2023, he explained, they have been implementing the Lomphat REDD+ Project to protect key wildlife species and ensure the local communities receive equitable benefit.
NatureLife Cambodia called on all stakeholders to work closely with the Ministry of Environment to protect this REDD+ Project site for future generations. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
