USAID Greening Prey Lang’s bird nest protection programme conducted in the Prey Lang Extended Landscape has seen an increase in nests and chicks of endangered bird species.
According to USAID Greening Prey Lang, between June 2021 and May 2022, a total of 174 nests and 292 chicks of endangered bird species were monitored in Preah Vihear province under the programme. These numbers are higher than last year, which had 127 nests and 232 chicks monitored.
The programme recruited 72 local villagers to safeguard nesting birds and their chicks from threats during the breeding season. Species protected include Giant Ibis, White-shoulder Ibis, Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, Woolly-necked Stork, and Red-headed Vulture.
USAID Greening Prey Lang pays community members a daily rate for each nest they protect. Depending on the bird species, the monitoring period takes up to three months, beginning with finding active nests with eggs and ending when the chicks have successfully fledged.
Numerous studies have shown the bird nest programme to be very effective. By engaging local communities in conservation, the programme not only improves biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health, but it also improves community livelihoods and strengthens inclusive and effective landscape governance.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press