Flooding puts more than 200 bird nests at Takeo wetland at risk
Flooded nests and fewer tall trees could put vulnerable birds at greater risk.
Thursday 5 November · 14:08 · 1 min read
In 30 seconds
- NatureLife Cambodia reported that rising water and the loss of tall nesting trees threaten more than 200 nests at Boeung Prek Lapouv. [1]
- From July to September, the team recorded 1,179 nests belonging to six bird species and observed 80 species overall. [1]
- Conservationists said they cannot assess the full damage until the water recedes. [1]
What happened
NatureLife Cambodia said rising water levels at Boeung Prek Lapouv in Takeo are putting more than 200 bird nests at risk. Flooding has submerged some nests, while the loss of tall trees in flooded forests has led birds to nest in lower vegetation. The conservation team recorded 1,179 nests of six species from July to September, but says it has not yet completed an assessment of the damage.
Why it matters
The wetland supports bird habitats and provides fish, water and other resources for nearby communities. The full impact on nests and birds is not yet known.
Background
Boeung Prek Lapouv spans Borie Cholsar and Koh Andet districts and was designated a protected landscape in 2016. It provides habitat for around 129 bird species, including an important share of Cambodia’s non-breeding sarus crane population. NatureLife Cambodia said flooding destroyed hundreds of waterbird nests there in 2025 as well.
Key terms
- Protected landscape
- An area given protected status to conserve its natural environment and resources.
- Milky stork
- A large waterbird listed as endangered in the report.
- Sarus crane
- A large crane species that uses the wetland as habitat outside its breeding period.
Timeline
- 2016 Boeung Prek Lapouv was designated a protected landscape.
- 2025 NatureLife Cambodia reported flooding had destroyed hundreds of waterbird nests at the wetland.
- July to September 2026 The conservation team recorded 1,179 nests of six species and 80 bird species overall.
- November 2026 Conservationists were monitoring the flooding and waiting for water levels to fall before completing an impact assessment.
Sources (1)
[1] Cambodianess Rising Floodwaters Threaten Takeo Wetland Nests 5 Nov Read originalWas this explainer clear?
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