RATANAKKIRI: On January 30, the Biodiversity Team of Nature Life Cambodia in Ratanakiri recorded 13 sarus cranes during the non-breeding season census in Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary. This is more than double from January 2023, when only six sarus cranes were recorded.

The 13 Sarus Cranes, including five chicks, were observed flying, playing, calling, and searching for food in the REDD+ targeted villages. These villages are part of the USAID Morodok Baitang and NatureLife Cambodia initiative in developing the REDD+ Project in the Lomphat landscape.

The sarus crane is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. These birds are also in danger of disappearing in Cambodia due to habitat loss, with fewer than 100 nesting in the country last year.

Currently, USAID Morodok Baitang, is working with WCS Cambodia, Nature Life Cambodia, and Rising Phoenix, to protect wildlife species and their habitats by strengthening forest management and wildlife resource management in Lomphat, Keo Seima, and Siem Pang wildlife sanctuaries.