Cambodia is home to fewer than 100 white-winged ducks, out of an estimated global population of just 800. A recent three-day field survey found only a single individual returning to its roost.
Sam Veasna Conservation Tours, in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), conducted a survey of the rare species in areas where they has been previously recorded. The research took place in the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in Preah Vihear Province from May 21 to 23, according to a statement released by Sam Veasna on May 29.
During the fieldwork, two teams — each consisting of five members — monitored the site. Over the course of the three-day observation, they recorded one duck returning to its roost tree for two consecutive nights. Unfortunately, it arrived after dark and departed before dawn, making it difficult to observe.
Despite this, the mission confirmed that at least one white-winged duck (Anas scutulata) still returns to its traditional roosting site, underscoring the vital importance of large Chhertheal trees along riverbanks, home to this critically endangered bird.
The ducks inhabit tropical forest areas with slow-flowing rivers and streams, preferring quiet, wetland zones such as seasonal pools and swampy grasslands for foraging.
The statement explained that most of Cambodia’s white-winged duck population is found in the north, especially in Preah Vihear. Their numbers are critically low due to human threats such as illegal hunting and trapping, habitat loss, agricultural and settlement expansion, and notably, very low breeding rates.
Both organisations urged local residents in these regions to stop activities that harm the duck population, emphasising that fewer than 100 individuals remain in Cambodia.
The species is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
According to the Ministry of Environment, there are only about 800 individuals left worldwide, with viable populations and breeding activity confirmed in the Kulen Promtep sanctuary.
This species is present year-round in Cambodia.