Three giant Ibis poisoned to death: WCS Cambodia

Giant Ibis. Photo: WCS Cambodia Facebook

Three giant Ibis were intentionally poisoned to death in Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary in Preah Vihear province, said Wildlife Conservation Society in Cambodia (WCS Cambodia).

The number is equivalent to one to two percent loss of the world’s total population of Giant Ibis, WCS Cambodia said in a press release on April 16. They were detected on April 9.

This is part of growing global concern, it added. Conservationists are noticing an increase in the hunting of protected species since the outbreak of Covid-19 began to affect traditional economic and social systems in rural areas.

“The birds were killed illegally for their meat, which would have been consumed locally or sold on the market,” WCS Cambodia said.

USAID is deeply saddened after hearing that the giant Ibis, a symbol of Cambodia, were poisoned to death, said USAID Cambodia in a Facebook post today.

“This is a great loss to Cambodia's beautiful wildlife,” it said.