Title
Cambodian Vulture Conservation Project, Annual Activities Report July 2008 - June 2009
Author(s)
Pech Bunnat, Hugo Rainey
Abstract
The Cambodia Vulture Conservation Project, a partnership of Cambodian government agencies and NGOs, has been implementing measures to improve the status of vultures in Cambodia since 2004. Cambodia supports one of the few stable or increasing populations of three species of vulture. Its most noteworthy achievement this year was the authorisation by the Cambodian Department of Animal Health of a ban on the veterinary use of the drug diclofenac. Awareness-raising at key sites of the threat that this drug poses to vultures was carried out across their range in Cambodia. Vulture restaurants were run regularly at seven sites across northern and eastern Cambodia to provide a regular food supply and aid monitoring. The annual census at these restaurants in June 2009 found a total of 266 birds, the second highest total counted in the country. Vultures feeding at naturally available carcasses were also monitored and a number of poisoned birds were found as a result. Incidental poisoning of vultures after eating poisoned livestock and domestic animals is now probably the greatest source of mortality of vultures in Cambodia. Breeding success was high at almost all vulture colonies in the latest breeding season as a result of nest protection efforts. However, total number of located vulture nests was low. Two tagged vultures were resighted during the year and two rehabilitated vultures were tagged and released. Two students researching vultures were supported this year which will support long term vulture conservation efforts.

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