January 10, 2019

In May 2016, the BirdLife Cambodia association secured government protection for the Siem Pang area and its adjacent forest, called Siem Pang Kang Lech. The goal is to preserve these lands and introduce endangered animal species to ensure their survival. The NGO published its 2018 report on January 1st covering these two protected zones.

These two sanctuaries, situated near the Laotian border in Stung Treng province, are essential for safeguarding local and endangered animal and plant species. They are characterized by measures that guarantee their protection and preservation. Human presence is therefore integral to this process. BirdLife Cambodia has been working there for two and a half years now. "The western forest of Siem Pang is one of the world's most important natural forest areas for biodiversity conservation, particularly for threatened wildlife species," confirms Sophea Chea, a member of BirdLife Cambodia, on the organization's Facebook page. They shelter endangered birds on site, including white-shouldered ibis, giant ibis, red-headed vulture, slender-billed vulture, and white-rumped vulture.

A giant ibis nest in the Siem Pang area. ©Facebook BirdLife Cambodia

Renewed Biodiversity

The NGO recently released its report for the past year across the two Siem Pang sanctuaries. Their teams delightfully discovered 17 chicks in 12 of the 16 giant ibis nests. Researchers found nine slender-billed vulture nests and two red-headed vulture nests. They also recorded 320 white-shouldered ibis individuals on October 15th. These results demonstrate the value of such protected areas in a country where poaching remains a persistent problem.

A red-headed vulture from the Siem Pang area. ©Facebook BirdLife Cambodia

Thibault Bourru

Thibault Bourru is a passionate writer with deep affinity for literature and Asia, sharing his experiences through his writing.