Three nests of the Critically Endangered Giant Ibis (Thaumatibis gigantea) have already been located in Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary (KPWS) this year. The Giant Ibis typically nests in the wet season to avoid competition with another Critically Endangered species, the closely related White-shouldered Ibis (Pseudibis davisoni), that also nests in the Northern Plains. It is highly unusual for both species to nest simultaneously.
The Giant Ibis is Cambodia’s national bird and breeds in undisturbed deciduous dipterocarp forest in Northern and Eastern Cambodia, making Kulen Promtep and Chep Wildlife sanctuaries critical to the long-term survival of the world’s largest Ibis.
To reduce predation of Giant and White-shouldered Ibis eggs, WCS community wildlife rangers attach “predator exclusion belts” to their nesting trees, and nests are also monitored by local people. These activities are financed by a community fund raised by Tmatboey eco-tourism in collaboration with WCS partner, Sam Veasna Centre, providing sustainable finance for the conservation of one of Cambodia’s most enigmatic and threatened birds.