Kingdom’s vulture number a ‘positive’ sign
In Cambodia’s four sanctuaries with vulture populations, there are 140 vultures currently present – a number considered small but encouraging among relevant ministries and partner organisations involved in the protection and preservation of the species.
According to a joint press release on the results of a census of the vulture population that took place on different days between July and August, there are three vulture species – red-head, slender-billed and white-rumped vultures – present at four main so-called vulture restaurants at four wildlife sanctuaries in four provinces – Siem Pang in Stung Treng; Chheb in Preah Vihear, Sambor in Kratie; and Srepok in Mondulkiri.
All three vulture species are listed as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
“Cambodia’s vulture situation is indicating positive signs under the efforts of the Cambodia Vulture Conservation Working Group (CVCWG), but more protection is required. The results of last month’s census revealed a significant increase in the number of vultures in the Sambor Wildlife Sanctuary,” CVCWG said in the joint press release.
Voun Dara
