White-Rumped Vulture Returns to Cambodia Amidst New Threats

NatureLife Cambodia surveyors spotted a critically endangered white-rumped vulture in Cambodia’s Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary during a June 2026 census, marking the first sighting in a decade. The census also confirmed five red-headed vultures, including two juveniles, indicating successful breeding within the sanctuary. Conservationists believe the return demonstrates the positive impact of habitat improvement and reliable food sources.

However, the sanctuary’s Veal Kambor Community Protected Area faces increasing pressure from industrial development. Since 2020, the Cambodian government has granted mining concessions within designated community-protected areas adjacent to the sanctuary, and companies continue quarrying despite expired licenses.

A proposed 376-megawatt hydropower dam presents a further threat, potentially flooding core zones of the sanctuary and submerging the Veal Kambor CPA. The long-term health of this fragile ecosystem is now at stake as conservation gains are challenged by expanding industrial interests.