White-rumped Vulture Returns to Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary After Years of Absence

NatureLife Cambodia is pleased to share encouraging news from the vulture Census conducted in June 2026 at the vulture restaurant in Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary. For the first time in ten years, one critically endangered White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) was recorded in the sanctuary, marking the return of this globally threatened species.

The last record of a White-rumped Vulture in the Lomphat landscape was in 2016, following two major poisoning incidents. In February 2014, at least 16 vultures died in a poisoning event, followed by another poisoning case in September 2016 that killed at least three vultures. Since then, no White-rumped Vultures had been observed in the landscape until this latest sighting.

The return of the White-rumped Vulture is a major milestone for vulture conservation in the Lomphat landscape and a symbol of hope for the recovery of this species. In addition to the White-rumped Vulture, the census also recorded five Red-headed Vulture, including two juveniles, confirming successful breeding within the sanctuary.

The return of the White-rumped Vulture, together with the continued presence of Red-headed Vultures, is a strong indication that conservation efforts in Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary are making a positive impact. With financial support from the REDD+ project, NatureLife Cambodia is organizing the vulture restaurant at least once a month to provide supplementary food for vultures in the Lomphat landscape, particularly for the Red-headed Vulture population.