Welcome back to Boeng Prek Lpov (BPL) in 2026

By Ly Samphors

The Greater Adjutant is one of Cambodia’s rarest and most important bird species. Before 2024, it was classified as Endangered. Thanks to many years of conservation efforts across its range especially in Cambodia, which supports the largest known breeding colony in Southeast Asia at Prek Toal Ramsar site its conservation status has improved and it is now listed as Near Threatened. Although its status has improved, the Greater Adjutant remains a rare species that still requires long-term protection and conservation efforts to help its population continue to recover and increase.

Every year, Greater Adjutants visit Boeng Prek Lpov Protected Landscape in Takeo Province to feed. They usually arrive between June and August or September, depending on the flood conditions. In 2026, the Greater Adjutants returned to Boeng Prek Lpov earlier than usual, with the first birds recorded in late May. So far, our team has recorded three Greater Adjutants in this important wetland.

Boeng Prek Lpov Protected Landscape is the only protected wetland in Takeo Province. It provides important habitat for many Critically Endangered and other globally threatened species. However, this protected area continues to face serious threats, particularly illegal land encroachment. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Environment, provincial authorities, and other stakeholders is finalizing the zoning plan and complete the installation of boundary markers to strengthen the protection of this valuable wetland.

Please join us in protecting the Boeng Prek Lpov wetlands so that the Greater Adjutant and many other threatened species can continue to find food, live safely, and thrive in Cambodia’s natural environment.