PHNOM PENH – Flash floods over the past few weeks have destroyed hundreds of waterbird nests in the Boeung Prek Lpov Protected Landscape in Takeo Province, threatening one of Cambodia’s key wetland habitats.

According to the NGO NatureLife Cambodia, the protected area—currently under nomination to become a Ramsar site—has lost many tall trees in recent years, forcing waterbirds to nest on shorter trees that are more vulnerable to flooding.

Lim Vath, deputy director of the Boeung Prek Lpov Protected Landscape, said the floods resulted in the loss of thousands of waterbirds, including adults, chicks, and nests.

“As conservationists, we deeply regret that we could not protect these waterbirds in time,” he said.

In response, NatureLife Cambodia and the protected landscape management team have called for greater support to restore swamp forests in the core zone to reduce future flood impacts.

A waterbird nest survey conducted in early October recorded eight species: the lesser whistling duck, grey-headed swamphen, little grebe, intermediate egret, white-winged duck, spot-billed pelican, little cormorant, and pied kingfisher.

In total, 3,790 nests were counted—820 of them damaged due to the loss of the flooded forest. While the overall number of nests increased compared to 2024, the number of damaged ones also rose. Last year, 2,631 nests were recorded, with only 206 damaged.

Boeung Prek Lpov Protected Landscape spans more than 8,300 hectares. It represents one of 40 globally Important Bird Areas and one of Cambodia’s three sarus crane conservation areas.