Endangered giant ibis recovers from malaria in conservation triumph

A JUVENILE giant ibis, the national bird of Cambodia known by its binomial name Pseudibis gigantea, has been successfully treated for avian malaria by experts from the Preah Vihear provincial environment department and partner organisations.

The collaborative rescue operation involved the provincial environment department, the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia.

WCS Cambodia, reporting on January 27, initially observed the giant ibis to be in good health. However, upon reaching the conservation centre, signs of disease became apparent. A comprehensive medical examination uncovered the bird’s battle with malaria and blood parasites. Additionally, one of its toes had become severely infected, hindering proper movement due to a festering sore.

“The ACCB’s dedicated team has effectively treated the bird’s malaria and resolved its ulcers. We are pleased to announce the complete recovery of the giant ibis, now thriving at the care centre,” it said.

The international conservation NGO noted that rescuing this giant ibis marked a significant achievement in preservation efforts, given the species’ critically endangered status.

Thanks to the ACCB’s efforts, this rehabilitated giant ibis is poised to contribute significantly to the population of the species in Cambodia.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the giant ibis as critically endangered on its Red List of Threatened Species, citing threats such as habitat loss, poaching, human encroachment, and deforestation in the lowlands. In 2005, it was officially declared a Cambodian national representative bird to be protected by Royal Decree.

Globally, fewer than 500 of these majestic birds remain.

According to WCS, in Cambodia, the giant ibis is found only in the lowlands of Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Ratanakkiri and Mondulkiri provinces. It noted that there is also a likelihood of its presence in certain areas of Laos and Vietnam.

The ACCB has played a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, working closely with the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, along with partner organisations. The centre actively engages in safeguarding rare wildlife and implementing innovative breeding programmes to contribute to conservation efforts.