A pair of Sarus cranes fly above a flooded forest area on the Mekong River in Cambodia. Environment Ministry
Encouraging news emerges from the environmental sector as data from the latest sarus crane census reveals a resurgence of this globally threatened species.
A first in two decades, a sarus crane has been spotted in the Mekong flooded forest, giving the Ministry of Environment a reason to celebrate. The annual census this year is a beacon of hope, signalling a positive turn after a decade of decline.
This latest finding has ignited hope for bird conservation within protected areas and natural habitats across Cambodia.
Neth Pheaktra, spokesman for the Ministry of Environment said on July 30 that the annual census takes place from December to May. He revealed that the highest number of sarus cranes, 180 to be exact, were recorded in February. This figure contrasts favourably with the 156 recorded in 2022 and 161 in 2021. Two sarus cranes were also spotted in Vietnam.
The census is a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, NatureLife Cambodia, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the International Crane Foundation. It covers major locations in Cambodia and Vietnam, including the Mekong Delta, the Tonle Sap Lake area, and the northern and north-eastern plateaus.
Pheaktra expressed his relief and delight at these findings. He asserted that the rise in sarus crane numbers was indicative of the success of conservation efforts.
This bright outcome follows years of joint hard work, preserving natural resources and wildlife, and implementing effective action plans with partner organisations.
According to Pheaktra, these results not only demonstrate the improved conservation of natural resources in Cambodia but also illustrate the shift in public attitudes towards wildlife.
“The environment ministry has taken great care about the sarus crane,” Pheaktra stated.
He also highlighted the recent creation of a sarus crane conservation working group, set up on July 14 by the ministry.
This working group is dedicated to ensuring the safety of these creatures through strict law enforcement, extensive research, local economic development and comprehensive education.
The ministry spokesman also implored local communities residing around protected areas to participate actively in conservation activities, alongside the government and partner organisations.
Pheaktra pleaded with everyone to cease trading in wild animals.
“We must put an end to the snaring crisis and illegal trafficking in Cambodia. Working together, we can conserve natural resources and biodiversity to boost ecotourism and promote economic prosperity,” he emphasised.
On July 29, the Biodiversity Research Team of the Kratie Provincial Department of Environment, Ministry of Environment and WWF-Cambodia announced a significant discovery. A sarus crane’s nest, complete with eggs and a breeding pair, was found within the Mekong’s lowland habitat at the Sambor Wildlife Sanctuary in Kratie province.
This find was another first, further fuelling the optimism for this species’ recovery.
The discovery of the sarus cranes’ nest in the sanctuary area was not a simple feat. It was the result of attentive community monitoring and subsequent investigation by the research team, which confirmed and documented the nest’s location.
Eam Sam Un, the biodiversity research and monitoring manager with WWF-Cambodia, underlined the significance of this discovery, noting it as the first documented sighting of a sarus crane’s nest in the Mekong Flooded Forest over the past two decades.
“Such encouraging findings will certainly boost increased protection efforts on the ground by our government partners, communities, WWF and all other parties involved,” Sam Un stated.
Bou Vorsak, the executive director of NatureLife Cambodia, echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Cambodia still hosts a considerable population of wild cranes. However, he also expressed concern over the numerous threats these animals face, emphasising the need for swift and efficient response measures.
