AKP Phnom Penh, February 21, 2025 --

Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction (SAVE) applauses Cambodia for its good practices in preserving and expanding vulture population in the country, while the birds are facing extinction globally.

SAVE, which is an international consortium of vulture conservation organisations, highlighted the assessment following its review workshop, which concluded with a learning tour on Feb. 20 to Cambodia's vulture conservation site in Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary in Stung Treng province.

At least 30 of SAVE's members and partners from seven countries, including Cambodia, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar, and the United Kingdom, gathered for the series of events led by its chair, Ms. Jemima Parry-Jones.

Mr. Bou Vorsak, the CEO of NatureLife Cambodia, credited the successful conservation of vultures in Cambodia to the regular supply of food sources and improved knowledge of local communities, resulting in the joint protection of the birds' habitats, no more use of harmful pesticides on agricultural crops, and no more trapping of wild animals.

Currently there are between 80 and 100 vultures in the Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary, with the largest number being the red-headed vultures, white-rumped vultures, and slender-billed vultures.

Areas in Cambodia with habitats and food sources for vultures are Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary in Stung Treng province, Chep Wildlife Sanctuary in Preah Vihear province, Sambo Wildlife Sanctuary in Kratie province, and Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary in Rattanakiri province.

Ms. Thiri Da Wei Aung, a SAVE member from Myanmar, was very impressed by the consistent practice by Cambodia to preserve the vultures listed as the most endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

By Thyda You