Cambodia’s Prek Lpov Wetland Protected Landscape in Takeo Province has recorded 80 bird species and a total of 1,179 bird nests, highlighting its importance as a habitat and breeding ground for waterbirds. However, more than 200 nests are currently at risk from flooding, while declining nesting trees and deteriorating habitat conditions are adding pressure to local bird populations.
The findings were reported by NatureLife Cambodia (NLC) on October 30, 2026, following biodiversity monitoring activities in the protected wetland.
Key Facts
Location: Prek Lpov Wetland Protected Landscape, Takeo Province
Bird species recorded: 80
Total nests recorded: 1,179
Nests at risk from flooding: More than 200
Bird species with nests recorded: Six
Monitoring period: 2026
Conservation activities (July–September 2026): 57 patrols
Natural resource offences detected during patrols: None reported
Key challenges: Flooding, declining nesting trees and deteriorating tree conditions
Prek Lpov Wetland Provides Habitat for 80 Bird Species
Biodiversity monitoring at Prek Lpov Wetland has recorded 80 bird species, confirming the site's continuing importance as a habitat for a variety of birds.
Species recorded include the Grey Heron and the Asian Openbill, alongside other wetland birds.
The monitoring team, working with support from NatureLife Cambodia, also recorded 1,179 nests belonging to six bird species.
The findings demonstrate the wetland's role not only as a habitat but also as an important breeding area for bird populations in Takeo Province.
More Than 1,100 Nests Recorded Across Six Bird Species
The monitoring results identified several bird species with significant nesting activity.
| Bird species | Recorded nests |
|---|---|
| Lesser Whistling Duck | 653 |
| Asian Openbill | 192 |
| Grey Heron | 237 |
| Little Cormorant | 82 |
| Little Egret | 15 |
| Total reported | 1,179 |
Note: The source identifies six nesting species, but the figures listed above account for five species and total 1,179 nests. The sixth species is not specified in the supplied report.
The team also observed that the Oriental Darter was beginning to build nests.
Flooding Threatens More Than 200 Bird Nests
Despite the wetland's ecological importance, more than 200 nests are facing risks from flooding.
The conservation report also identified a decline in the number of trees used by birds for nesting. Some remaining trees are in poor condition, making nesting and breeding habitats more vulnerable, particularly during periods of flooding.
These pressures may partly explain why the number of nests recorded this year has declined compared with the previous year.
The report does not provide the exact number of nests recorded in 2025, so the scale of the year-on-year decline cannot be quantified from the available information.
No Nesting Activity Recorded for Asian Woolly-necked Stork in 2026
Another concern highlighted in the monitoring findings is the absence of observed nesting and breeding activity by the Asian Woolly-necked Stork at Prek Lpov Wetland during 2026.
The source does not establish the reason for this absence or indicate whether the species has disappeared from the area. Continued monitoring will be important to understand changes in its use of the wetland.
Conservation Teams Conduct 57 Patrols Over Three Months
From July to September 2026, conservation teams continued protecting the wetland through patrols, law enforcement, community awareness activities and biodiversity monitoring.
During this period, the teams conducted a total of 57 patrols and reported no natural resource offences encountered during those operations.
Conservation workers also continued educating local communities and people collecting natural resources in the wetland about the importance of protecting bird habitats and breeding sites.
These activities are intended to strengthen local awareness and encourage responsible use of wetland resources.
Cooperation Needed to Protect Prek Lpov's Biodiversity
The conservation report emphasised the importance of continued cooperation among protected-area authorities, conservation organisations and local communities.
Such cooperation is essential to protecting vulnerable natural habitats and maintaining safe breeding grounds for birds and other wildlife.
The findings also highlight the need to address threats to nesting trees and the risks posed by flooding, alongside continued patrols and biodiversity monitoring.
Angkor Times Analysis: Protecting Nesting Habitats Is Critical to Wetland Conservation
The latest monitoring results show that Prek Lpov remains an important wetland ecosystem, with 80 bird species recorded and more than 1,100 nests documented.
However, the reported risks point to a conservation challenge that goes beyond protecting birds from direct disturbance. The condition and availability of nesting trees are also critical to maintaining viable breeding habitats.
Three priorities stand out.
First, protecting nesting trees. The reported decline in available nesting trees and the poor condition of some remaining trees could undermine breeding opportunities. Habitat protection and restoration should therefore be central to conservation planning.
Second, monitoring flood-related risks. With more than 200 nests reportedly threatened by flooding, continued monitoring of vulnerable nesting areas is important. Conservation teams and relevant authorities need reliable information to assess risks and determine appropriate responses.
Third, strengthening community participation. The 57 patrols conducted between July and September, alongside community education activities, demonstrate ongoing conservation work. Continued cooperation with local communities can help reduce pressure on sensitive habitats and support long-term protection.
The absence of recorded natural resource offences during the patrols is encouraging, although it does not by itself establish that all threats to biodiversity have been eliminated.
Ultimately, Prek Lpov's conservation value depends on maintaining the wetland as a functioning ecosystem where birds can feed, nest and reproduce. Protecting the habitat is therefore as important as monitoring the number of species and nests it supports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Prek Lpov Wetland Protected Landscape located?
It is located in Takeo Province, Cambodia.
How many bird species have been recorded at Prek Lpov?
Biodiversity monitoring recorded 80 bird species.
How many bird nests were recorded?
The monitoring team recorded a total of 1,179 nests belonging to six bird species, according to NatureLife Cambodia.
How many nests are threatened by flooding?
More than 200 nests are reportedly at risk from flooding.
Which birds were recorded nesting at the wetland?
The report lists Lesser Whistling Ducks, Asian Openbills, Grey Herons, Little Cormorants and Little Egrets, while stating that six species were recorded nesting. It also reports that Oriental Darters were beginning to build nests.
How many conservation patrols were conducted?
The conservation team conducted 57 patrols between July and September 2026.
Were any natural resource offences detected?
The team reported encountering no natural resource offences during the 57 patrols.
Why is Prek Lpov Wetland important?
It provides habitat and breeding grounds for numerous bird species and supports wider wetland biodiversity.