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Khoeun Khea, 19, lives in an isolated village in Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary (KPWS). In June 2016, Khoeun Khea came across a colony of 30 Lesser Adjutant nesting pairs whilst collecting resin in forest near his house. This is the second year the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has employed Khoeun Khea to protect the nests of globally threatened Lesser Adjutants in KPWS.

“WCS employs me to guard the Lesser Adjutant nests so I inform other villagers not to come near the nest site as this would disturb their breeding. I also told my fellow villagers not to poach because conserving wildlife helps us make extra income through nest protection and eco-tourism,” said Khoeun Khea. “I am delighted to see so many Lesser Adjutants living and nesting in the forest near my house. I am proud to protect them and I hope they will continue to nest here in the future.”

For the second year running, Khoeun Khea, who grew up in this forest and is passionate about protecting the wildlife around his house, succeeded in protecting a Lesser Adjutant nesting colony. This year he successfully protected all 30 nests resulting in 60 new Lesser Adjutant chicks.

“One day I came to guard the nests and saw many Lesser Adjutant chicks feeding on the ground. In that moment I was so happy because I felt I had accomplished my task,” he added.

Khoeun Khea has done a fantastic job at protecting Cambodia’s threatened wildlife, providing a vital safeguard for the Lesser Adjutant population of KPWS.