Cambodia & Nature : Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary remains key habitat for Sarus cranes

According to NatureLife Cambodia, the Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary in northeastern Cambodia remains an important habitat for Sarus Cranes (Grus antigone sharpie).

Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary remains key habitat for Sarus cranes. Photo MoE

"On 31 May, our field team recorded 14 Sarus cranes, including 6 juveniles, during the last crane census for the 2023-2024 wintering season. This result suggests that the number of cranes in the Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary has remained stable compared to recent years," the NGO said in a press release.

The Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary is also one of the priority remaining nesting sites for the Lower Mekong Basin population of the Eastern Sarus Crane, which breeds in dry forest habitats during the Cambodian wet season, it added.

With the arrival of these birds in May, this is proof that this sanctuary still retains its crucial role in providing a key habitat for this endangered species, she said, noting that NatureLife Cambodia's biodiversity team is currently conducting targeted nest searches and monitoring to increase the breeding success rate.

Sarus cranes are the largest birds in the world, with adults reaching 1.7 metres in height and weighing 5-12 kg. They breed during the rainy season, from May to October, usually in large wetland grasslands within wildlife sanctuaries in Cambodia.

During the breeding season, the cranes migrate to Preah Vihear, Rattanakiri and Mondulkiri provinces to nest, and during the non-breeding season they migrate to the wetlands of Takeo, Kampot and other provinces around Tonle Sap to feed.

The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and faces numerous threats, including habitat conversion, human disturbance and egg and chick poaching.