Birdlife Impact

Bird Populations Reflect Lake Health

Tonle Sap feeds millions of Cambodians, shelters endangered bird species, and powers vibrant local economies. Yet unpredictable water levels, illegal fishing, and habitat loss have all undermined the lake’s vitality. Over four years, the EU-funded Our Tonle Sap project carried out targeted actions across six provinces: reforesting floodplains, refining fisheries management, and guiding farmers toward resilient practices. Communities took the lead—patrolling spawning grounds, growing nurseries for native saplings, and running eco-tourism ventures that link livelihoods to conservation. Early evaluations show measurable gains in biodiversity, family incomes, and wetland stability. Below are three main impact areas, each reflecting the diverse benefits that emerged from this multifaceted initiative.

Bengal Florican Numbers Climb in Key Sites

Field teams focused on Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis), a critically endangered bustard species. Usually found in grasslands near Stoung, Baray, and Chikreng.Community rangers credited increased nest-guard incentives and grassland fire controls for the gains.

  • Nesting Data

More than 105 ground nests were documented, resulting in 99 fledglings in protected plots. The majority of these sites sat within newly established patrol zones that curbed unchecked grazing, burning, and drainage.

Despite the positive trend, large fluctuations in water levels remain a concern. Project staff note that continued nest monitoring and controlled grazing practices will be key to long-term population stability.

Waterbird Colonies Expand in Restored Forests

Large waterbirds often nest in colonies high above flooded forests. These bird species include Painted Storks (Mycteria leucocephala), Greater Adjutants (Leptoptilos dubius), and Spot-billed Pelicans (Pelecanus philippensis). Project data show stable or slightly rising nest counts in reforested sites, especially near Prek Toal and Bakan.

  • Rookery Counts

Painted Stork and Greater Adjutant nesting rates remained stable in the reforested zones surveyed. Spot-billed Pelicans also maintained or slightly improved breeding success, according to local monitoring reports.

  • Fire Reduction

Community firefighting units reduced large-scale burns in pilot communes by installing firebreaks and sharing real-time alerts via mobile apps. This action left crucial roost trees unscathed during peak nesting months.

Grassland Fires Fall, Nest Success Rises

The project addressed frequent wildfires that destroy grasslands critical to ground-nesting species. Local volunteers mapped vulnerable zones and created early-alert networks.

Agreements with nearby communities offered small rewards for spotting and reporting active nests. Residents who once cut grass for livestock began leaving designated patches intact once they saw the tangible benefits.

Reports indicate a marked reduction in large-scale grassland fires where community-based fire management plans were active. This decline let ground-nesting birds complete more breeding cycles.

Fewer Major Fires
Nest Protection Agreements

Community Patrols Use Real-Time Data

Rangers and local observers employed mobile apps (e.g., SMART patrol, Telegram groups) to coordinate responses and share sightings. Bird specialists worked with local youth groups to validate nest locations and measure habitat conditions.

Over 4,000 participants used these channels to log everything from unusual bird behaviors to suspected poachers. Field staff often acted immediately on these tips, dismantling nets or redirecting foot traffic away from nesting spots.


  • 24/7 Reporting
Data from 2022–2023 highlight that roost-disturbance events dipped in communes with frequent digital check-ins, indicating that quick communication and communal oversight enhance bird survival rates.


Early Gains and Remaining Vulnerabilities

Project teams recorded strong improvements in certain populations, especially Bengal Florican and large wading birds. However, some species remain highly sensitive to inconsistent flooding. Overextended farmland and grazing sometimes encroach upon grasslands, and upstream dam operations may alter water levels mid-breeding season. Local efforts to replant and protect habitat require ongoing support to maintain momentum.

Ongoing Water-Level Challenges

Spot-billed Pelicans depend on stable channels for foraging, while Painted Storks need accessible feeding grounds near rookeries. A single off-season drought can disrupt entire colonies.

Policy Gaps

Commune-level regulations improved but are still uneven. Budget constraints sometimes limit the frequency of patrols, and expansions of farmland remain a concern near certain nesting sites.


Where We Go Next

We hope that future conservation work will sustain these positive trends through a combination of nest-guard schemes, ecological data gathering, and collaborative land-use planning. 

Community Impact
Ecosystem Impact
Project Timeline
How project activities supported the most important stakeholders—communities.
Broader restoration, fisheries management, and climate-smart agriculture.

Month-by-month snapshots of field activities, policy milestones, and nest monitoring events.

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