Cambodia Vulture Working Group’s 2023 Annual Report Reveals Positive Trends in Vulture Conservation and Celebrates International Vulture Awareness Day

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – 05 September 2024 – The Cambodia Vulture Working Group (CVWG) has released its 2023 Annual Report, revealing significant progress in the conservation of three Critically Endangered vulture species: the White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris), and Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus). The report highlights the collaborative efforts undertaken by CVWG members from January to December 2023, showcasing both the challenges faced and successes achieved in protecting these vital species.

A cornerstone of the CVWG’s efforts is the “vulture restaurant” initiative, where domestic livestock carcasses are provided at designated sites to support the vultures. This initiative helps provide Cambodia’s Vulture population with supplementary food to mitigate food shortages and allows for accurate population monitoring through synchronized national census events. In June 2023, the Minimum Population Estimate was recorded at 132 vultures across the three species, marking a stabilising trend after years of decline.

H.E Khvay Atitya, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, stated “After years of decline, we are seeing encouraging signs of stability in Cambodia’s vulture populations. This latest result indicated that Cambodia’s Protected Area system is playing a key role in providing safe habitats for wildlife and biodiversity that allow them to live and reproduce without threat. The ecosystems within these natural protected areas are sustainable supporting our critically endangered vulture species”, He added, “This report underscores the importance of continued collaboration and innovative conservation strategies to protect these iconic species.”

Providing food at vulture restaurants is not just about sustaining the population—it’s about giving these birds a fighting chance for survival. Our efforts are making a tangible difference, as evidenced by this year’s stable population numbers. In addition to feeding initiatives, the report highlights other critical activities, such as nest monitoring, protection efforts, and combating poisoning threats. In 2023, CVWG members located 30 vulture nests across Cambodia and Laos-border, achieving a remarkable 87% success rate in fledging 26 chicks. This represents the highest number of successful fledges on record.

“We are thrilled with the breeding success this year. The chicks represent hope for the future of Cambodia’s vultures. It’s a testament to the effectiveness of our conservation strategies and the dedication of our team on the ground,” said CVWG members.

The CVWG has also been proactive in addressing poisoning threats, a leading cause of vulture mortality. In 2023, eight potential poisoning incidents were investigated, and swift mitigation measures were implemented. Notably, no vulture deaths due to poisoning were recorded this year.

To raise awareness and engage the public, the CVWG conducted a coordinated social media campaign on International Vulture Awareness Day and organized an interactive event for environmental-sector students. These efforts are expected to enhance community support for vulture protection, potentially expanding the network of supporters, volunteers, and donors. Additionally, these activities are likely to generate positive media coverage, further amplifying the message and showcasing CVWG’s commitment to preserving these crucial species.

Looking ahead, the CVWG is preparing to update the scientific literature on Cambodia’s vulture populations and threats, with a planned publication in the near future. Additionally, tracking of wild vultures using GPS-GSM devices is underway, with the results expected to provide valuable data for future conservation strategies. One of the most heartwarming stories of the year was the rescue of a sick Red-headed Vulture chick at Srepok Wildlife Sactuary, which after intensive rehabilitation by ACCB was released back into the wild at Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary, with Rising Phoenix even equipping it with a tracking device to monitor its progress and movements.

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For further information, please contact:

H.E Khvay Atitya

Undersecretary of state and spokesperson of Ministry of Environment

Phone/telegram: (855) 12 683 968

Email: khvay.atitya@moe.gov.kh

Ms. Ny Naiky

Flagship Species Project Coordinator NatureLife Cambodia,

Phone: 097 97 12 567/092 826 596

Email: naiky@birdlifecambodia.org

About the Cambodia Vulture Working Group (CVWG):

The CVWG, which brings together government agencies, conservation NGOs, eco-tourism operators, and academic institutions, has been instrumental in stabilizing Cambodia’s vulture populations. Chaired by Ministry of Environment and coordinated by NatureLife Cambodia, this working group membered by the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), NatureLife Cambodia (NLC), Rising Phoenix Co. Ltd, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Sam Veasna Conservation Tours (SVC), Cambodia Bird Guide Association (CBGA), and the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation (CBC).