Ang Trapeang Thmor Bird Sanctuary | Banteay Meanchey

Ang Trapeang Thmor Bird Sanctuary is a significant wildlife reserve located in the northwestern region of Cambodia, specifically in Banteay Meanchey Province. It is one of the most important wetland ecosystems in the country and is renowned for its role in the conservation of migratory birds, particularly the critically endangered Sarus Crane. The sanctuary is a protected area and serves as a key site for both biodiversity conservation and ecotourism.

Key Features of Ang Trapeang Thmor Bird Sanctuary

Ecological Significance:

• The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 2,500 hectares and is primarily made up of seasonal wetlands and flooded grasslands. These wetlands are crucial for the biodiversity of the region, providing essential habitats for various species of birds, fish, and other wildlife.
• The sanctuary is located within the Tonle Sap Basin, which is one of the most ecologically diverse regions in Cambodia. It is part of a larger network of wetlands that support the migratory routes of many bird species, particularly in the Southeast Asian region.

Sarus Crane Conservation:

• Ang Trapeang Thmor is most famous for being a critical habitat for the Sarus Crane (Grus antigone), one of the largest crane species in the world and one of the rarest in the region.
• The sanctuary is home to a population of Sarus Cranes, and it is one of the few places where these cranes can be seen in the wild in Cambodia. The sanctuary’s wetlands provide an ideal environment for breeding, feeding, and migrating cranes.
• Efforts are underway to protect the Sarus Crane and its habitat from threats such as illegal hunting, habitat destruction, and the drainage of wetlands. The site is a vital part of ongoing conservation efforts in Cambodia, with various organizations, including the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), working to monitor and protect the species.

Birdwatching and Biodiversity:

• In addition to the Sarus Crane, Ang Trapeang Thmor Bird Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of bird species, both migratory and resident. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the sanctuary, making it a prime location for birdwatching.
• Some of the other notable bird species found in the sanctuary include:
  • Spot-billed Pelicans (Pelecanus philippensis)
  • Greater Adjutsants (Leptoptilos dubius)
  • Whiskered Terns (Chlidonias hybrida)
  • Painted Storks (Mycteria leucocephala)
• The sanctuary also provides a critical habitat for waterfowl, waders, and other migratory bird species that pass through the region during the wet season.

Seasonal Wetlands and Habitat:

• The sanctuary’s wetland ecosystem changes dramatically between the wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, the area is flooded, and the expansive wetland areas become home to aquatic plants and provide abundant food sources for birds and other wildlife.
• In the dry season, the waters recede, leaving behind patches of mudflats, which serve as feeding grounds for various species of wading birds and other animals. The seasonal changes make the sanctuary an important site for both migratory and resident species, and the diversity of habitats is one of the key features that make the sanctuary so ecologically rich.

Conservation Challenges:

• Despite its ecological importance, Ang Trapeang Thmor Bird Sanctuary faces several conservation challenges. Illegal hunting and poaching of birds, particularly the Sarus Crane, remain significant threats to the sanctuary’s biodiversity.
• The drainage and conversion of wetlands for agriculture and development also pose long-term risks to the sanctuary's ecosystems. The local community relies on the wetlands for resources, and there are ongoing efforts to engage them in sustainable practices that will help protect the area.
• The sanctuary has been the focus of conservation programs aimed at protecting wildlife habitats, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and promoting ecotourism as a sustainable alternative to resource extraction.

Ecotourism:

• Ang Trapeang Thmor has become a popular destination for ecotourism and birdwatching, attracting nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers from around the world. The sanctuary offers an opportunity to explore Cambodia’s rich natural heritage while supporting conservation efforts.
• Visitors can explore the sanctuary through guided tours, which offer insights into the wildlife and habitats of the region. Birdwatching tours are especially popular, as the sanctuary is a haven for rare and endangered bird species.
• The local communities are involved in ecotourism initiatives, which provide a source of income while promoting the importance of conservation. Visitors can also engage with local projects focused on sustainable development and wildlife protection.

Visitor Information:

• The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the wet season (approximately from May to October), when the bird populations are at their peak, and the wetlands are in full bloom. However, the dry season (from November to April) also offers opportunities to visit, as the changing landscape makes for a different kind of experience.
• The sanctuary is accessible by road from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, or from Siem Reap. It is relatively remote, and most visitors come as part of organized birdwatching tours or wildlife expeditions.

Local Community and Support:

• The local communities around Ang Trapeang Thmor play a key role in the conservation of the sanctuary. In collaboration with national and international organizations, they help to implement sustainable practices, such as promoting eco-friendly agriculture and engaging in community-based conservation programs.
• The area is also important for local fishing communities, who depend on the wetland ecosystems for their livelihoods. Efforts to create balance between conservation and local resource use are essential for the long-term success of the sanctuary.

Conclusion

Ang Trapeang Thmor Bird Sanctuary is a vital site for bird conservation, particularly for the endangered Sarus Crane, and a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. With its unique wetlands, diverse bird populations, and the integration of conservation and community engagement, the sanctuary stands as a model for biodiversity preservation in Cambodia. Although it faces various challenges, including poaching and land conversion, ongoing efforts to protect and sustain the sanctuary make it a remarkable natural treasure and an essential part of Cambodia's environmental heritage.