PHNOM PENH: The population of the Kingdom’s rarest three vulture species grew by one-fifth in the most recent survey, reaching the highest count since monitoring began in 2016.
To mark International Vulture Awareness Day, traditionally observed on the first Saturday of September, the Cambodia Vulture Working Group (CVWG) re-released the results of the survey, which recorded 163 birds in 2025, a 22 per cent increase from 2024.
The working group described the increase as a positive sign that reinforces Cambodia’s importance as a stronghold for vultures in Asia, while stressing the need for continued conservation efforts.
Across South-East Asia, vulture populations have declined sharply, with the birds disappearing completely from some areas where they once lived. Cambodia remains one of the region’s last important refuges for the white-rumped, slender-billed and red-headed vulture, which survive mainly in remote dry forests in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
All three species are classified as Critically Endangeredin the IUCN Red List, making their remaining populations crucial for conservation at national, regional and global levels.
Targeted vulture conservation efforts in Cambodia began more than 20 years ago through cooperation between government institutions and conservation organisations. The partnership was formally established as the CVWG in 2017, and brought together government ministries and agencies, domestic and international conservation organisations, research institutions and ecotourism partners.
CVWG deputy chairman Alistair Mould said the latest results offered strong grounds for optimism and showed that focused, sustained conservation measures could deliver meaningful results for Cambodia’s vultures.
“However, these species remain critically endangered and vulnerable, and maintaining this progress will require continued cooperation between the government, conservation partners and local communities to address the threats they still face,” he said.
The CVWG is also developing a 10-year conservation action plan to support the long-term survival of vultures in Cambodia, Mould said.
Environment Ministry spokesman Khvay Atitya said the government was encouraged by the 22 per cent increase, describing it as evidence of strong cooperation between government institutions and conservation partners to protect vulture habitats and implement conservation measures in line with government policy.
“Cambodia is an important country for supporting the survival of vultures in Asia,” he said. “Recognising this important role, Cambodia will host a meeting of the Asian Vulture Conservation Committee in October this year.”
Over the past two decades, Cambodia’s vultures have faced continuing threats, including declining food sources, habitat loss and, more recently, accidental poisoning.
The birds are monitored through five population censuses each year at five supplementary feeding sites, or “vulture restaurants”.
The white-rumped vulture, the most numerous of the three species, shows signs of population stability in the Siem Pang and Chheb-Preah Roka wildlife sanctuaries.
Although the other two species remain less numerous, they are still recorded regularly.
While results are encouraging, ongoing conservation efforts are needed to maintain and build on the progress achieved, the CVWG warned. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
