Rare Bird Returns to Wildlife Sanctuary 10 Years After Population Was Devastated by Mass Poisoning Events

In a remarkable conservation achievement, a critically endangered white-rumped vulture has been sighted in Cambodia’s Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary for the first time since 2016. This significant discovery, made during a recent census, follows years of dedicated efforts aimed at combatting poisoning and restoring the bird’s habitat.

The sighting of the white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) occurred in June at a designated feeding station operated by NatureLife Cambodia, a conservation organisation. This area, referred to as a “vulture restaurant,” has been pivotal in providing a sustainable food supply for vultures, which are essential for the ecosystem’s health due to their scavenging habits.

The return of this species to the sanctuary marks a hopeful turnaround from a troubling period, particularly after a series of mass poisoning incidents that decimated local vulture populations. The first major incident happened in February 2014, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 vultures. A subsequent poisoning event in September 2016 saw three additional vultures lose their lives, prompting urgent calls for enhanced conservation measures.

In addition to the sighting of the white-rumped vulture, researchers reported observing five red-headed vultures, including two juveniles, during the same census. This breeding success indicates a positive trend for vulture populations in Cambodia and suggests that ongoing conservation efforts are beginning to bear fruit.

Bou Vorsak, chief executive of NatureLife Cambodia, has hailed the return of the white-rumped vulture as a significant landmark in conservation efforts. “As a partner of the Ministry of Environment, we have worked for years to protect wildlife, particularly in Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary,” he stated. He believes that these results reflect improvements in habitat conditions and food availability, thanks to various initiatives implemented by conservationists.

Key to the vulture’s comeback has been a mix of measures aimed at reducing habitat disturbances, minimising poisoning risks, and ensuring that vultures have access to a reliable food source. The monthly feeding programme, which the organisation runs, has received support from REDD+, an initiative that supplies one cow each month for the sanctuary’s vultures. However, the costs associated with this feeding scheme are significant, with each session amounting to approximately $600.

Despite the progress highlighted by the recent sightings, conservationists warn that threats to the vulture population remain. Bou Vorsak pointed out that while awareness campaigns have led to a decrease in poisoning incidents from over 30 per year to just one to three, the issue persists. Moreover, poaching and climate change pose additional challenges as shifts in weather patterns lead to drier conditions, drying up ponds and water sources vital for wildlife.

NatureLife Cambodia is determined to continue its feeding programme while expanding its monitoring efforts. Future plans include outfitting vultures with satellite transmitters, which would provide valuable insight into their movements, nesting behaviours, and overall success in breeding.

The significance of these conservation endeavours is underscored by statistics from the Cambodia Vulture Census Team, which identified a total of 163 vultures across the country in 2025. The white-rumped vulture, meanwhile, remains classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is protected under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

The recent sighting represents both a triumph for conservationists and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to protect these majestic birds. The collaborative efforts emphasise the importance of local and international support in ensuring the survival of critically endangered species in Cambodia.