WWF Cambodia has announced a reduction in vulture poisonings, with no instances recorded in the past three years. Since 2005, the organisation has reported the deaths of 42 vultures by poisoning, with the deadliest year being 2014.
On Sunday, September 7, WWF Cambodia noted that the organisation had previously documented multiple poisoning cases in areas where vultures are known to live.
WWF Cambodia confirmed that within the last decade, at least 19 poisoning incidents killed a total of 42 vultures. The worst case occurred in 2014, when 16 vultures died in a single poisoning incident. The second-worst year was 2010, when 13 vultures died in two incidents.
However, in the past three years, no vulture deaths caused by poisoning have been recorded.
Wildlife poisoning not only kills wild animals but can also harm livestock and villagers. WWF appealed for collective action to stop wildlife poisoning in order to save vultures, which are essential for maintaining community health.
To mark International Vulture Awareness Day, held every first Saturday of September, the Cambodia Vulture Working Group (CVWG) shared the results of vulture monitoring at feeding stations nationwide. The count recorded 143 vultures — the highest since 2019. This finding shows that Cambodia’s vulture population remains stable, even though neighbouring countries have already lost theirs.
Vultures play a crucial role as scavengers, feeding on animal carcasses. They help maintain ecosystem balance and protect human health by preventing the spread of deadly diseases such as anthrax and rabies. Their strong stomach acid destroys pathogens, while their consumption of carcasses reduces foul odours and disease risks.
For more than 20 years, Cambodia has served as the last stronghold in Southeast Asia for the region’s most threatened and critically endangered vulture species, including: The white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) and red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus).
The CVWG reaffirmed its commitment to vulture conservation, aiming to ensure their survival into the future. With continued support, Cambodia holds hope of protecting the last remaining vulture populations, preserving these remarkable birds as icons of the region.
