Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Offroad travel banned in protected grasslands during breeding season

Offroad travel banned in protected grasslands during breeding season

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Access to the grassland areas, excluding existing roads and trails, in protected areas is prohibited to avoid disturbing or destroying nests and eggs during the breeding season. OTS

Offroad travel banned in protected grasslands during breeding season

Access to the grasslands of protected areas in the Tonle Sap Lake lowlands has been temporarily restricted, as the breeding season of one of the world’s rarest birds is underway.

Bengal floricans (Houbaropsis bengalensis) are listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and breed from April to September.

Environmental organisation Our Tonle Sap, which is funded by the EU and led by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia, issued a May 12 press release detailing the travel restrictions.

“Access to the grassland areas [excluding existing roads and trails] in protected areas is prohibited to avoid disturbing or destroying nests and eggs during the breeding season. The off-road or trail use of cars, motorbikes or any other vehicles is strictly forbidden,” it said.

“We ask for the cooperation and understanding of all members of the public, whether bird watchers, photographers or anyone else. Please play your part in the conservation of the critically endangered bird species that are present in our country,” it added.

The Ministry of Environment described Bengal floricans as one of the most endangered species in the world.

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Bengal floricans (Houbaropsis bengalensis) are listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and breed from April to September. OUR TONLE SAP

The global population is estimated at fewer than 800. Cambodia is one of the most important countries in the world to the conservation of the species, with 432 individual birds recorded in a 2012 census.

The grasslands of the Tonle Sap Lake lowlands in Kampong Thom province support the largest population of Bengal floricans in the world, and are critical to their survival.

WCS Cambodia noted that in a bid to protect and conserve the species, the government established Bengal Florican Conservation Areas around the lake – now named the Northern Tonle Sap Lowland Protected Landscape – safeguarding 31,159ha under sub-decree across Kampong Thom and Siem Reap provinces in the Kingdom's north.

MOST VIEWED

  • 12th Cambodia int’l film festival to see return of Hollywood star

    Phnom Penh is set to come alive with the magic of cinema as the highly anticipated 12th Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) takes centre stage. Boasting an impressive line-up of 188 films from 23 countries, including captivating shorts, feature films, documentaries and animation, the festival promises an

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Struggling Battambang artist dreams of staging full-scale gallery exhibition

    Leav Kimchhoth, a 55-year-old artist from Battambang province, is a familiar face to locals and tourists alike on the streets of the riverside in Phnom Penh. The one-armed painter and illustrator often hawks his work near the night market on weekends and public holidays. He

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • New Law on Taxation comes into effect

    Cambodia has enacted the eagerly-awaited new Law on Taxation, which aims to improve the national tax regime’s compliance with present and future international standards and economic conditions; encourage accountability, effectiveness and transparency in the collection process; and promote investment in the Kingdom. King Norodom