Greater Adjutant Storks Return to Boeng Prek Lapouv Wetland in 2026, Conservation Efforts Underway

Greater Adjutant storks, a rare and protected bird species in Cambodia, have returned to the Boeng Prek Lapouv Landscape Protected Area in Takeo province earlier than usual this year, according to a report from the NatureLife organization. Sources from the organization stated on July 21, 2026, that the Greater Adjutant typically migrates to the Boeng Prek Lapouv area for food annually between June and August or September, depending on flood levels. For 2026, the storks' return was noted as early as the end of May, with three individuals having been recorded by the team so far. Previously classified as 'Endangered' before 2024, the Greater Adjutant's conservation status has been reassessed to 'Near Threatened' due to conservation efforts by countries where the species is present, particularly Cambodia, which hosts the largest breeding grounds in Southeast Asia at the Prek Toal Ramsar site. Despite this improvement, the species still requires significant protection and attention to ensure its population continues to grow. The Boeng Prek Lapouv Landscape Protected Area is a vital and unique wetland conservation site in Takeo province, supporting numerous other endangered and threatened bird species. However, the area faces challenges, notably illegal land encroachment. To address these issues, the Ministry of Environment, provincial authorities, and relevant agencies are actively engaged in finalizing the zoning and demarcation of the protected natural area. Authorities urge public participation in preserving and protecting the Boeng Prek Lapouv wetland, ensuring that these rare bird species can continue to find food and thrive in Cambodia's natural environment. Source: AKP Khmer