Phnom Penh, April 9, 2024: In a significant conservation victory, the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) has announced the successful breeding of critically endangered white-shouldered Ibis (Pseudibis davisoni) chicks under human care, marking a first for the species.
The news comes as a beacon of hope for conservationists and environmental enthusiasts alike, with the center confirming that one pair of the birds managed to incubate and raise two healthy chicks in captivity. This achievement is seen as a crucial step towards the potential future reintroduction of the species into their natural habitats.
Cambodia plays a pivotal role in the survival of the white-shouldered Ibis, hosting an estimated 87–95 percent of the global population. With a minimum estimated population of 792 individuals in the country as of 2022, the successful breeding of these chicks represents a vital contribution to the species' conservation efforts.
The ACCB's accomplishment sheds light on the possibilities of wildlife conservation and the impact of dedicated efforts to save critically endangered species from the brink of extinction. This landmark success not only adds to the global population of white-shouldered Ibis but also underscores the importance of conservation initiatives in preserving our planet's biodiversity.