Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity
White-shouldered ibis
The white-shouldered ibis (Pseudibis davisoni) is a large species of bird in the family Threskiornithidae. It is native to small regions of Southeast Asia, and is considered to be one of the most threatened bird species on this part of the continent
A chick brings hope for the rescue of an entire species
We are proud to report on a very special breeding project at our species conservation center at the Allwetterzoo Münster in Cambodia.
The White-shouldered Ibis (Pseudibis davisoni) is one of the world's most endangered bird species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as critically endangered.
The so-called Edge List even ranks it as the 16th most endangered bird in the world. The global population is estimated at fewer than 700 adult individuals – and the trend is rapidly declining. And now there has been a major success, as the first chick has hatched.
The ACCB team can't say for sure, but it's quite possible that they have succeeded in breeding the world's first chick. Only in Thailand may there have been previous breedings. Much more important than a possible world premiere, however, is the certainty that the ACCB and its partners are on the right track. Especially because two other females are still breeding.
Three Chicks for Conservation
A Breeding Success for the White-shouldered Ibis
Following a successful breeding event in April 2023, the team at the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) is celebrating another milestone. In March 2024, three new chicks hatched—a first for this species in human care! The parent pair successfully raised the young birds, a premiere for this species.
A Glimmer of Hope for a Critically Endangered Species
The White-shouldered Ibis (Pseudibis davisoni) is one of the world's most threatened bird species. The IUCN classifies it as "Critically Endangered," and the "Edge-List" ranks it as the 16th most endangered bird globally. It's estimated that 87–95% of the world's population lives in Cambodia, where threats from habitat loss, hunting, and increasing droughts are growing.
The breeding success at ACCB is a crucial step toward building a reserve population. These birds could one day help strengthen wild populations.
Research
and On-Site Protection
ACCB hosts the only breeding group of White-shouldered Ibis in human care. All the birds were rescued from illegal holdings or found injured. Because there was little to no knowledge about how to care for or breed this species, the team conducted important research. They built a special enclosure to observe the birds' breeding behavior—both in colonies and as individual pairs—and used those insights to support conservation efforts in the wild.
Breeding is just one part of preserving the species. Habitat protection is equally critical. Initiatives like the "Ibis Rice Project" show how farmers are motivated to grow "ibis-friendly" rice, which reduces hunting and habitat loss.
This breeding success at ACCB provides hope for securing the future of the White-shouldered Ibis.
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