Cambodia Eco-tourism

WCS is working in cooperation with the government and local communities of Cambodia to promote wildlife conservation through eco-tourism. Current projects are focusing on developing bird-watching at several sites across northern Cambodia within easy reach of the temples at Angkor. Visits to these sites are designed to engage local communities in conservation, through establishing links between tourism income and donations, local community development and nature conservation. Some of the bird species that can be seen are amongst the rarest in South-east Asia, including the critically endangered Giant Ibis Pseudibis gigantea and White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davisoni,  Sarus Crane Grus antigone, Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis, Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius, Milky Stork Mycteria cinerea, Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis and Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris.

The four current sites are the large waterbird colonies at Prek Toal, the ibises at Tmatboey in the Northern Plains, the floricans in Kompong Thom and the cranes at Ang Trapeang Thmor. Together they cover the range of habitats found in north-west Cambodia: from the open waters and flooded forests of the Tonle Sap Great Lake, to the grasslands in the lake’s floodplain, and finally the upland deciduous diptoercarp and semi-evergreen forests.

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Birder or not, a visit to Prek Toal is an experience in itself. Situated in the flooded forest surrrounding the Tonle Sap Great Lake, Prek Toal is the largest (or only) remaining nesting site in South-east Asia for seven Globally Threatened species, with up to 5,000 breeding pairs. A visit requires crossing the Great Lake – the largest freshwater lake in South-east Asia, one of the world’s most productive fisheries, and a fascinating cultural experience. The pristine habitat and a density of birdlife make it truly exceptional. Globally threatened species include Spot-billed Pelican, Milky Stork, Greater Adjutant, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Lesser Adjutant together with Oriental Darter, Asian Openbill and Black-necked Stork.

Please click here to download the Birdwatcher's Guide for Prek Toal

Tmatboey, Northern Plains

The Northern Plains of Cambodia have long been off limits to birdwatchers, at one time due to security problems but more recently due to a lack of information and easily accessible sites. This is gradually changing and there are now several opportunities to get deep into the richest areas of habitat and see the full range of species. The area includes sites for the rarest and most sought after specialties, including White-shouldered and Giant Ibis, Greater Adjutant, vultures and White-winged Duck.

The Tmatboey Ibis Project is the flagship site. This isolated village is about four hours’ drive from Angkor, situated deep into the deciduous dipterocarp forest. Visits to Tmatboey are intended to promote ibis conservation efforts, by linking community development to maintenance of ibis populations. Visiting groups that successfully see the target species are required to make a donation to a ‘village conservation fund’. The fund is used to pay for village development, in exchange for villagers abiding to conservation agreements. WCS has undertaken to train local guides to lead the field birdwatching, and to establish regulations with local authorities governing the cost of trips and management of funds.

Please click here to download the Birdwatcher's Guide for Tmatboey 

Please click here to go to the WCS Tmatboey Ibis Project website

Ang Trapeang Thmor

Along with Prek Toal and Tmatboey, Ang Trapeang Thmor should surely figure as one of the prime birdwatching sites of northwest Cambodia. The protected area is a huge reservoir built by the Khmer Rouge featuring extensive wet grasslands which grade into deciduous dipterocarp forest. It is most renowned for being the home of the largest-known flock of the rare Sarus Crane during the dry season (January-April). But almost 200 other species have been documented since the discovery of the site by the late Sam Veasna in 1998. At the height of the dry season – in March and April – feeding herds of the endangered Eld’s Deer can be seen at the fringes of the reservoir.

Please click here to download the Birdwatcher's Guide for Ang Trapeang Thmor

Kompong Thom

Surrounding the Tonle Sap Great Lake are natural grasslands, which flood annually with the rise and fall of the Mekong river. This unique habitat is highly threatened by conversion to agriculture. It also supports globally significant breeding populations of the endangered Bengal Florican – the only such site in South-east Asia. Other birds present include several large waterbird species, wintering Manchurian Reed Warblers and Greater Spotted Eagles, and Oriental Plovers, which are reliable passage migrants in March. The florican field sites in Kompong Thom province are easily accessible and can comfortably be incorporated as an over-night stop while travelling between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Trips are intended to support the conservation of the Bengal Florican through voluntary donations which are used to fund nest protection.

For more information on birding in Cambodia visit the Sam Veasna Center visit  www.samveasna.org or contact info@samveasna.org

For more general information please click here

Contact Information
Wildlife Conservation Society – Cambodia Program
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel/Fax: ++855-(0)23-217205
E-mail: cambodia@wcs.org