| TMATBOEY IBIS |
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Tmatboey is a remote Khmer village of 185 families situated in the center of the Northern Plains of Cambodia, about one and half hours drive from Tbeng Meanchey (the capital of Preah Vihear) or three and a half hours from Siem Reap past the remote temple of Koh Ker. The name Tmatboey is a combination of Khmer and minority Kui words: Tmat means vulture in Khmer and Boey means ‘washing-place’ in Kui. Minority Kui villages are still found in many areas of the Northern Plains.
Tmatboey is one of the few sites where the Critically Endangered Giant Ibis Pseudibis gigantea and White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davisonii are resident. |
| Diteropcarp deciduous forest at Tmatboey |
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Birders log Tmatboey
The day was spent in the dipterocarp forest of Tmatboey, with morning and evening excursions. An overcast sky allowed for a wonderful day, recording 94 species between us in this limited habitat type. Obvious highlights were our target birds of Giant and White-shouldered Ibis, but Brown Fish Owl, and Black-headed and Great Slaty Woodpeckers were also excellent. Back to the guesthouse for well-earned G&Ts.’ |
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| White-shouldered Ibis © Allan Michau |
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| Giant Ibis © Allan Michaud |
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A conservation agreement between the Ministry of the Environment of the Royal Government of Cambodia, WCS and the local community help gain the consensus needed to launch the Tmatboey ecotourism project. The ibises are used as a flagship to promote the site, although the conservation agreement is |
| Bungalow 1 at Tmatboey |
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| much broader and refers to all key species found in the area, such as suchAccommodation in Bungalow 1 at Tmatboey as Sarus Crane Grus antigone and Greater and Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius & javanicus which have a much greater value for food and trade. The same conservation/land-use agreement is also used to tackle indirect threats, by limiting land clearance and wetland conversion for agriculture. |
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The project is well on it’s way to becoming self sustaining. Revenue from the visitors for food and accommodation offers a viable
alternative livelihood for the village The
conservation contribution paid to the village development fund, raised from each visitor dependent on sightings of ibis, has been used to fund wells, roads and the local school. The ecotourist project at Tmatboey has been recognised by Wildasia and received the ‘Responsible Tourism Award 2007.’ |
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CHHEP VULTURES & OKOKI WHITE WINGED DUCK |
| Cambodia is of global importance for the conservation of Asian Griffon Vultures (White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis, Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris and Red-necked Vulture Sarcogyps calvus). These same species have recently undergone dramatic declines of >97% in the Indian subcontinent leading to probable extinction. |
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| Vulture feeding frenzy on cow carcass at Chhep |
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The cause is veterinary use of the drug diclofenac, which is readily administered to sick livestock and is highly toxic to many vulture species. Fortunately this drug is not used in Cambodia. WCS maintains feeding stations or vulture restaurants in the area as a means of supporting the vulture population and conducting research. The restaurants also attract mammals, such as Jackals, Dhole and Leopards, and other birds including Greater Adjutants.
Chhep is located in Preah Vihear Protected Forest, one of the remotest regions of Cambodia is a 6 hours drive from Tmatboey. |
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Okokia further 4 hours from Chhep offers pristine open forest landscape and opportunities for viewing the White winged Duck Cairina scutulata as well as the forest species of birds and passing migrants seen at the other sites in Preah Vihear.
Typically at least 1 night is spent at each location and preferably 2 allowing visitors to experience sunrise and sunset. At both Chhep and Okoki SVC organises temporary but comfortable ‘safari style’ tented accommodation and washing facilities, a cook travels with the group.
White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata
Local guides work with the SVC visitor group guide under the strict supervision of the WCS rangers.
Chhep and Okoki are only accessible during the Cambodian dry season, from October through to April. |
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 White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata |
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