Phnom Penh: The Cambodian Vulture Conservation Team has observed an increase of the number of vultures in the Kingdom. This was revealed during the International Day of Vulture Awareness, celebrated globally at the first week of September. The team says that positive signs are being seen in the kingdom on the three species of vultures in the country. They say, although there are only 140 Vultures present in Cambodia, they are seeing improvements, so they are calling for further protection of these species from individuals.

A monitoring of the Vulture population at Sambo Wildlife Sanctuary in July and Augusts shows three types of vultures in Cambodia – fire, grey and brown vulture. All three species of vultures are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. As a result of this research, the scientists specifically recorded the return of brown and gray vultures to their habitat in the Sre Pok Wildlife Sanctuary in Mondulkiri province after five years long absence.

Cambodia is the last hope for these species of vultures in Southeast Asia, and has an extremely important role for their conservation. In the last 10 years the numbers were halved. Vultures are usually seen for humans as dirt creatures, but are actually vital for the environment. They clear the landscape of deteriorating carcasses and help curb the spread of dangerous diseases and bacteria.

Executive Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society and Co-Chair of the Cambodian Vulture Conservation Working Group, Alistair Mold says, “It is very important that we work closely with local authorities and communities to raise awareness and protect Prevent all kinds of pollution activities to save vultures in Cambodia from extinction.