AKP Phnom Penh, February 12, 2026 --

NatureLife Cambodia, in collaboration with local sanctuary rangers, recorded a total of 161 bird species during the January 2026 Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) and Black-faced Spoonbill survey across two major protected landscapes.

The annual monitoring effort, conducted by biodiversity tracking teams and technical experts at the Boeung Prek Lapov and Anlong Pring protected areas, aims to assess the health of Cambodia's vital wetland ecosystems.

The survey results revealed a diverse avian population, though certain rare species remain elusive:  94 bird species were identified and documented at Boeung Prek Lapov Protected Landscape; while 67 bird species were recorded at Anlong Pring Protected Landscape. A combined total of 161 unique species were counted across both sites.

Notably, the Black-faced Spoonbill – which was previously sighted in Boeung Prek Lapov in 2011 and 2012 – was not detected during this year’s census.

Conservationists expressed growing concern over the ecological health of the Mekong Delta wetlands. Experts cited climate change as a primary driver of habitat loss, noting that rising temperatures have caused water sources to recede prematurely. Additionally, human disturbance remains a significant threat to the nesting and feeding grounds of migratory birds.

In response to these challenges, NatureLife Cambodia and Ministry of Environment rangers are intensifying their monitoring efforts. A key priority moving forward is the acceleration of "zoning management" within the Boeung Prek Lapov Protected Landscape to ensure stricter protection of core conservation areas.

(Photo: NatureLife Cambodia)

By K. Rithy Reak