Important Wildlife Spot At Risk of Drying Up

Banteay Meanchey: Ang Trapeang Thmor lake is facing a drought, affecting hundreds of protected species in the area.

1 million cubic meters of water are needed to be sent from Oddar Meanchey province to the reservoir in order to conserve birds.

Efforts are underway to bring water from a nearby dam to stop the lake from drying completely.

Ang Trapeang Thmor is located in Banteay Meanchey Province in the Northwest of Cambodia. It is about 100km from Siem Reap Town. Ang Trapeang Thmor is a unique wetland ecosystem giving home to over 200 bird species including the endangered Sarus Crane. The population of the Sarus Crane species in this area rose constantly within the last years to a number of more than 300 birds today. 

18 of the existing species in Ang Trapeang Thmor are being classified as globally or near globally threatened. The project in Ang Trapeang Thmor tries to help preventing the birds from disappearing. Birds can be watched throughout the whole year but the best time of seeing the Sarus Crane is from February to May. Ang Trapeang Thmor also harbors the globally endangered Elds deer.

The District Governor said that Ang Trapeang Thmor also dried up in 2015 resulting in the death of fish and birds preserve water.

Low rainfall and farming activity around the wetlands have been blamed for the crisis.

Photos: https://ia.kohsantepheapdaily.com.kh/article/798087.html