Lomphat REDD+ Project Uses AudioMoth to Enhance Ibis Monitoring

By Muth Sreymom

To enhance the efficiency of monitoring and protecting the White-shouldered Ibis, an IUCN Red List Critically Endangered species, the Biodiversity Research Team of NatureLife Cambodia has begun a pilot study deploying AudioMoth passive acoustic monitoring devices at key sites in Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary.

How does the AudioMoth device help boost this conservation work?

•​ Monitor presence and active at key Ibis roosting sites: The AudioMoth devices support this effort by being installed at known and suspected roost sites, where they can then record the Ibis’ distinct cries and calls continuously without causing any disturbance, enabling round the clock monitoring of the presence of these birds.

•​ Improve census efficiency: Data gathered helps confirm exact activity and occurrence at roosting locations so that our team can more efficiently cover a larger number of roost sites with more accuracy than periodic visits by the field team.

•​ Save time and budget: This method will hopefully allow for better identification of both active and inactive locations, saving time and budget while delivering clearer and more reliable demographic data.

•​ Integrating this device into the conservation program is a crucial pilot step toward more scaling up the monitoring and protection of the near-endemic White-shouldered Ibis and it’s habitat in Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as potentially being applicable to more species in the future.