I have always been fascinated by vultures because they provide so many benefits to the environment. I was curious about how many types of vultures in Cambodia, and here I am showing you today. Though endangered in various parts of the world, it is a good thing that their population has been protected in Cambodia. You are going to find the 3 main types of vultures in the kingdom, so let’s take a look at them below.
Red-Headed Vulture
Inhabit the Northern Plains of Cambodia and along the Mekong River, red-headed vultures are one interesting vulture species. This medium-sized vulture can grow to between 76 to 86 centimeters with a wingspan of around 1.99 to 2.6 meters. It is a jet black bird with red head and legs; hence its Khmer name, Flame Vulture. You can distinguish between the male and female red-headed vultures by their eye colors. Female red-headed vultures have dark brown iris while the males have pale-white to yellow iris.
Among the 3 vultures species in Cambodia, red-headed vultures have the smallest population. There are less than 30 individuals today, and they occur mainly in deciduous woodland and savannas. Their common habitats are near upper Mekong River and 4 provinces including Mondulkiri, Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri, and Steung Treng. You can also go vulture watching at Beong Toal Vulture Restaurant in Preah Vihear province. This restaurant prepares carrion for the vultures so that they can safely feed.
Besides lack of food, modernization, and trapping, the availability of Diclofenac in Cambodia causes another concern to the population of these vultures. Diclofenac is an inflammatory drug for cattle that can poison vultures if they feed on the carcasses of cattle treated by it. Many red-headed vultures died from that in India. This is why the Cambodian Vulture Conservation Group has requested the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries to not import this drug into the country.
Slender-Billed Vulture
Here we have an Old World vulture species that is critically endangered in where they are native to, sub-Himalayan and Southeast Asia. Slender-billed vultures are slightly larger than red-headed vultures, growing between 80 to 95 centimeters in length. A slender-billed vulture has a black angular and narrow head with a dark bill that appears narrow midway. These vultures occur in open country and partially wooded areas in foothills and lowlands. In other countries, slender-billed vultures are also often found near slaughterhouses and villages as well. There is only one breeding colony in Southeast Asia, which is in Steung Treng province of Cambodia.
White-Rumped Vulture
Native to South and Southeast Asia, white-rumped vulture is another vulture species in Cambodia. It is also critically endangered as there are only 71 individuals nowadays due to various reasons. The appearance of this vulture is not difficult to notice, with the dark plumage and whitish back, ruff, rump, and underwing converts. White-rumped vultures can grow from 75 to 93 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 1.92 to 2.6 meters.
Their natural habitats are deciduous forests, and they live in 5 provinces in Cambodia: Kratie, Mondulkiri, Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri, and Steung Treng. White-rumped vultures build their nests on tall trees, usually near human habitations where they can scavenge.
What is Boeng Toal Vulture Restaurant?
Located in a remote forest within Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary, Boeng Toal Vulture Restaurant is not an actual restaurant. It is a feeding program set up by Cambodian government and conservation NGOs to help sustain the 3 critically endangered vulture species. There are also tour programs that generate income to offset the cost of the restaurant and save these birds.
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