BirdLife International Cambodia has restored 10 trapaing (watering holes) in the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary.

It said the watering holes are a crucial source of water for many endangered species, including the giant ibis, especially during the dry season.

It added that many of the watering holes are adversely affected by sedimentation, which makes them too shallow, and by the density of vegetation cover. In order to support the biodiversity of the sanctuary, the 10 trapaings have been restored.

“As part of our restoration and monitoring protocol, our field monitoring team conducts regular trapaing checks. Camera traps were installed to monitor the presence of wildlife,” it said.

Its monitoring indicated that globally threatened species including giant ibis, white shouldered ibis, lesser adjutant, and the Asian woolly-necked stork use the restored watering holes.

“We also noted several challenges, including the loss of camera traps, hunting and snaring. NatureLife Cambodia will conduct a detailed analysis and issue a detailed report of the restoration project in 2024,” it added.