AKP Phnom Penh, February 25, 2026 -- 

The NatureLife Cambodia (NLC) organisation announced Wednesday the rare sighting of a Lesser Adjutant at the Anlong Pring Protected Landscape in Kampot province, marking the first recorded appearance of the species in the area in over 20 years.

The discovery, made during a biodiversity monitoring survey in late January 2026, is being hailed as a major milestone for Cambodia’s wetland conservation efforts. 

According to regional avian records dating back to 2004, this is the first time the species has been officially documented in the protected landscape in more than two decades.

The Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) is currently listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Conservationists say its return serves as a biological indicator of the improving health of the local ecosystem.

"This finding underscores the positive impact of over twenty years of dedicated habitat management," NatureLife Cambodia stated.

The successful recovery of the habitat is attributed to a long-term strategic partnership between the Royal Government of Cambodia – specifically the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries – and NatureLife Cambodia (formerly BirdLife Cambodia).

A key component of this conservation success is the "Crane-Friendly Rice" initiative. This programme encourages local farming practices that coexist with wildlife, providing a sustainable food source for migratory and resident birds while supporting the livelihoods of the local community.

NLC urged the public to continue supporting eco-friendly agricultural products like Crane-Friendly Rice to ensure the continued protection of Cambodia’s vital, yet fragile, wetland biodiversity.

By K. Rithy Reak