PHNOM PENH, July 4 (Xinhua) -- A nest with seven eggs of the globally endangered white-winged duck was spotted in Northern Plains of Cambodia for the first time in five years, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) said in a statement on Tuesday.
The nest was located inside a tree hollow about 12 meters from the ground in Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary (KPWS) in Preah Vihear province, the statement said.
White-winged duck (Asarcornis scutulata) is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as globally endangered, primarily because its global population is in decline due to habitat loss, disturbance along key stretches of riverine habitat and illegal poaching.
The global population of this enigmatic duck species is estimated to be between 250 and 1,000 individuals, while little is currently known about the numbers present in Cambodia.
"We saw a white-winged duck on the tree while walking to the rice field. We reported to WCS team because we know it is endangered bird," said local man In Long, 36, who found the nest. "They came to check the nest and hired three of us to guard it with direct cash payment in return."
"We are so happy to be nest protectors and will work hard to protect this nest from any human disturbances, eggs collection or other small carnivores," he said.
The Northern Plains landscape in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia consists of KPWS, Prey Preah Roka Wildlife Sanctuary and Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary, and is home to many globally endangered bird species, the WCS said.
Those include critically endangered Giant Ibis, white-shouldered Ibis, and three species of vulture, globally endangered white-winged duck, and many other important wildlife, it added.
Rours Vann, research team leader in Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary between the Cambodian Environment Ministry and the WCS, said after receiving the information, his team went to observe the nest and was so excited to see its mother on a big tree and had laid seven eggs already.
"white-winged duck is endangered, so more protection is needed to conserve the species from extinction," he said. "Nest and habitat protection are important to safeguard their lives and breeding."
