PHNOM PENH –​ Fifty-two sarus cranes were recorded in 2024 across Boeung Prek Lpov Protected Landscape in Takeo province and Anlung Pring Protected Landscape in Kampot province, 15 fewer than in 2023. 

Boeung Prek Lpov Protected Landscape is home to 44 sarus cranes, including 11 juveniles. Meanwhile, Anlung Pring Protected Landscape recorded eight including one juvenile, the NatureLife Cambodia Organization (NCO) posted on Jan. 5. 

It showed a decrease of 15 on the 67 sarus cranes in the same period in 2023. 

NCO said the drop in numbers is caused by habitat conversion, human fishing activities and the release of buffaloes into these protected areas. 

It urged communities, local authorities and local people to actively engage in preserving these wetlands, particularly refraining from consuming any kind of wildlife.

A total of 178 sarus cranes were recorded in the 2023-2024 census.

Environment Ministry spokesman Khvay Atitya said the ministry has been collaborating with partners in preserving sarus cranes across the country. 

“The year-end 2024 census, which began in November, is still in progress and will continue until May. Therefore, the exact number of sarus cranes will be announced later,” Atitya said. 

Sarus cranes are primarily found in floodplains, rice fields, grasslands, the northern regions of the country, the Tonle Sap basin and provinces like Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Kampot and Takeo. 

Sarus cranes are the tallest birds in the world, standing up to 1.8m, weighing 5-12kg and with a wingspan of 2.5m. The species is also present in the Indian subcontinent and Australia. 

Due to its declining population, the species is listed as vulnerable on the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Breeding typically occurs in the beginning of the rainy season from May to October in wildlife sanctuaries. 

The species faces severe threats due to habitat destruction caused by human activities, including pollution and agricultural land clearing in wetlands which disrupt their breeding and food supply. 

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. 

Anlung Pring Protected Landscape, another conservation area, covers 219 hectares in Kampong Trach district. Founded in 2011, it serves as sarus crane feeding areas in their non-breeding season.