Rare ibis discovered

September 1, 2017

Ven Rathavong / Khmer Times Share:    

Researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society and Environment Ministry have found two pairs of critically endangered giant ibis in Mondulkiri’s Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary.

They are the first of the species found in the sanctuary for ten years.

“This finding confirms once again that Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot and vital for conservation of globally threatened mammal and bird species,” WCS said yesterday.

The giant ibis (Thaumatibis gigantea) is Cambodia’s national bird, and exists only in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

There are about 194 mature individuals in the global population, with about 99 percent living in Cambodia.

Research team leader Sot Vandoeun said his team spent almost fifteen days searching for the species in the area.

Old reports and previous research had confirmed the presence of the species, however they had no accurate population number.

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