WCS/Cambodia Programme Giant Ibis

Giant Ibises found

30-08-2001

There is exciting news from Cambodia where a significant population of Giant Ibises Pseudibis gigantea has been found. The discovery was made during survey work carried out by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Cambodian Government Department of Forestry, and Wildlife and Ministry of Environment researchers in Preah Vihear province, deep in the heart of Cambodia's northern plains.

The researchers were able to take the first ever photographs of Giant Ibises, by setting up remote camera traps in the open deciduous forests and at waterholes - a photograph is automatically taken when an animal moves in front of the camera. A photograph taken in this way is reproduced opposite.

The Giant Ibis is Critically Endangered, with a global population estimate in BirdLife's Threatened Bird of the World of just 50 birds. However, survey work in Preah Vihear has found a minimum of 45 Giant Ibises to date within a vast area of 4,000 km², large tracts of which have yet to be surveyed. Recently a nest of the species has been found and is being studied. The area also holds healthy populations of other threatened species, including Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius (Endangered) and White-winged Wood Duck Cairina scutulata (Endangered). Clearly Preah Vihear province is important for the conservation of several highly threatened species in South-East area.