The 2025 Sarus Crane census recorded the highest figure since 2020

The Cambodia Sarus Crane Working Group (CSCWG), led by the General Directorate of Natural Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environment, recently confirmed very encouraging results for the vulnerable Sarus Crane (Grus antigone sharpii) from the 2025 census.

Coordinated annually across Cambodia and Vietnam, population census conducted since the year 2000 provides critical insights into the status of this iconic and threatened species in the Lower Mekong Basin. The 2025 census recorded a total of 214 Sarus Cranes​ (all in Cambodia); the highest figure since 2020, and a significant 20% increase from 2024, and 37% higher than 2022.

The Eastern Sarus Crane population in the Lower Mekong Basin appeared to have undergone a worrying and steep decline during the previous decade, with annual census totals plummeting from 869 in 2011 down to just 156 Cranes counted in 2022. However, since 2022, this downward trend appears to have reversed.

H.E. Khvay Atitya, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, said that “This result brings cautious optimism regarding the conservation and management of natural protected areas in Cambodia,”. He added that “The increase in the 2025 Sarus Crane census result reaffirms the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strong commitment to environmental protection through strategic policies that ensure environmental quality, ecological safety, and harmony. The Ministry of Environment has introduced the Circular Strategy on Environment, the second pillar of which focuses on ‘Green.’ This pillar emphasizes the participation of local authorities at all levels, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and local communities in law enforcement, capacity building, and implementing the use of new modern technologies for natural resource management, building tree nursery, and extensive reforestation to increase tree cover, and improving community livelihoods for the benefit of wildlife, including the Sarus Crane.”

Synchronized crane counts, carried out monthly from December through May, are conducted across 13 key sites in Cambodia and Vietnam, and are coordinated by the Cambodia Sarus Crane Working Group (CSCWG). The census is made possible by the longstanding collaboration of these organisations, including the Ministry of Environment,​ NLC, WCS, ACCB, ICF, WWT, and numerous partners.

Mr. Alistair Mould, Country Director of WCS Cambodia, said that “These promising census results reflect the tireless efforts of CSCWG partners, local communities, and conservationists working on the ground.”

Ms.  Christel Griffioen, Country Director of ACCB, said that “Cambodia’s wetlands and dry forests are vital strongholds for the Eastern Sarus Crane, a species of profound natural and cultural importance. This year’s encouraging census reflects the dedication and close collaboration of conservation partners and local communities. Sustained, coordinated action will be essential to secure a lasting future for this magnificent bird.”

Mr. Bou Vorsak, vice chairman of CSCWG and CEO of NatureLife Cambodia, added that “The CSCWG reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the Sarus Crane and its habitats. Through joint monitoring, strategic conservation planning, and the introduction of crane-friendly agriculture, we are strengthening our collective efforts to ensure that one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic wetland species continues to thrive as part of Cambodia’s natural heritage.”