AKP Phnom Penh, April 30, 2025 --

A recent survey by NatureLife Cambodia has confirmed the presence of 40 Sarus Crane in the Anlong Pring Protected Landscape, highlighting the area’s critical role as a sanctuary for this critically endangered bird species.

Conducted on the evening of April 29 and the morning of April 30, the survey indicates a robust population, consistent with data from the same period in 2024.

The Anlong Pring Protected Landscape remains a vital seasonal habitat for the Sarus Cranes particularly from December to May, when the birds flock to the region to forage. The sustained high numbers underscore the area’s importance as a feeding ground for the species.

In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, NatureLife Cambodia is promoting sustainable farming practices in four villages within the protected area.

Through the “Crane Rice” practices, local farmers cultivate rice in a way that preserves wetlands and rice fields as safe havens and supplementary food sources for the Sarus Cranes, fostering coexistence between agriculture and conservation.

This collaborative effort continues to bolster the survival of the Sarus Cranes, offering hope for the recovery of one of the world’s rarest birds.

(Photo: Chhim Meng)

By K. Rithy Reak