Cambodia Bird Watching Tmartboey Ibis
The Tmatboey Ibis Project aims to conserve some of South-east Asia’s rarest species by directly linking revenue from bird-watching tourism to maintenance of species’ populations. The site supports globally important breeding populations of two Critically Endangered Ibis species: the Giant Ibis – a near-mythical species for bird-watchers, naturalists and conservationists – and the White-shouldered Ibis – the only known nesting site in mainland Asia for this species. Many other regional specialities can be seen, including Lesser Adjutant, Pale-capped Pigeon, White-rumped Falcon, Rufous-winged Buzzard and Alexandrine Parakeets. WCS has undertaken to train local guides to lead the field birdwatching, and to establish regulations and agreements with local authorities governing the cost of trips and management of funds.
TOUR ITINERARY:
Tmartboey Ibis 3 Days/ 2 Nights
Transfer to Tmartboey village located in Preah Vihear province. Four hours drive north-east of the Angkorian temples at Siem Reap, or seven hours drive from the capital Phnom Penh. Check in accommodation: Wooden bungalow with en suite run by Tmatboey Ecotourism Committee and meet with local ranger and set the schedule to search for the birds during the stay in Tmartboey. Key birds to see: Giant Ibis Pseudibis gigantea, White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davisoni, Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius, Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus, Sarus Crane Grus antigone, Green Peafowl Pavo muticus, Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus, Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga, Grey-headed Fish Eagle Icthyophaga ichthyaetus, White-rumped Falcon Polihierax insignis, Pale-capped Pigeon Columba punicea, Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria, Rufous-winged Buzzard Butastur liventer.
The Giant Ibises are only found at ponds remote from human settlements, so this requires long walks (10km round-trip) from the village. Food: local Khmer-style cooking, with vegetarian and some western food available.
PRICE: USD474 per person (minimum 2pax)
Tour Includes: Wooden bungalow with en suite, Round trip transfers in private vehicle, English-speaking birding guide and police escort, full board meals.
