A Unique Bird in Decline
The Bengal florican, a rare and endangered bird famous for its dramatic leaping courtship displays, is finding hope for survival in a specialized facility where conservationists are rearing the birds to develop their wild instincts. With fewer than 600 individuals left in the wild, primarily in Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Floodplains, this species is teetering on the brink of extinction. However, a dedicated effort to raise and reintroduce the birds is raising optimism for their future.
This initiative is taking place in a specially designed facility inside Phnom Kulen National Park, a 144-square-mile expanse of forest in Cambodia. The park hosts the world’s first assurance colony for the Indo-Chinese subspecies of the Bengal florican. As its name suggests, this bird is also native to India and Bangladesh, where its populations face similar threats.
A Home for Survival
The facility is uniquely constructed to allow the Bengal floricans to maintain their natural behaviors while in semi-captivity. Waist-high grass and soft mesh netting create an environment where the birds can practice critical survival skills, such as foraging, evading predators, and perfecting their courtship rituals. Conservationists deliberately limit the birds’ exposure to humans to preserve their instincts.
A Bengal florican’s courtship is one of nature’s spectacles. Males leap as high as 6 to 9 feet off the ground, striking an elegant pose by tucking their legs and leaning back in midair. This extraordinary display is designed not for flight but to attract females. However, these birds are entirely dependent on grasslands for their survival, and the rapid conversion of these habitats into agricultural land is a major threat to their existence.
The Role of the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity
The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) has been at the forefront of Bengal florican conservation since establishing a captive colony in 2019. Cambodia, home to a wide array of threatened species, has more than 400 species listed as Endangered or Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with 56 considered Critically Endangered. The Bengal florican is just one of 30 species under the ACCB’s care, and its plight represents the broader challenges facing Cambodia’s biodiversity.
The ACCB’s work extends beyond captive rearing. A significant part of their efforts involves engaging local communities, particularly Buddhist groups and students, to raise awareness about the bird’s critical situation. “By engaging with diverse groups, we hope to bridge the conservation gap across generations,” explains Christel Griffioen, ACCB’s Country Director. These education initiatives are crucial for ensuring community support and understanding of the importance of protecting this unique species.
Protecting Wild Nests and Raising Chicks
During the Bengal florican’s breeding season, community members often notify the ACCB about the location of wild nests. Depending on the conditions, conservationists either leave the eggs in place or relocate them to the facility if the risks to chick survival are too high. At the facility, a dedicated team hand-rears the chicks until they can feed independently. These birds are then moved to a larger enclosure that closely mimics their natural habitat, complete with tall grasses and soft ceilings that allow the males to practice their distinctive leaping displays.
So far, the ACCB has successfully raised 11 birds hatched from eggs laid in the wild. Additionally, four wild-hatched birds have been taken in for care due to various challenges. These 15 birds are thriving, providing hope for the establishment of a stable captive population. “A full-time team at ACCB is dedicated to hand-rearing newly hatched chicks until they’re old enough to feed alone,” notes Griffioen. “They’re then moved into a facility that mimics their habitat where they remain, with limited to no human contact.”
Planning for a Sustainable Future
The ultimate goal of the ACCB is to establish a captive breeding program to further stabilize Bengal florican populations and eventually reintroduce more birds into the wild. This approach could ensure the species’ survival in the face of habitat destruction and other threats. Lessons learned from this program could also inform conservation strategies for other endangered species in the region.
Despite the challenges, the work being done at Phnom Kulen National Park demonstrates that conservation efforts can make a difference. By combining scientific expertise, community engagement, and careful management, the ACCB is giving the Bengal florican a fighting chance. In the words of Griffioen, “Every bird saved is a step toward a future where these incredible creatures can continue to leap into the skies of Cambodia.”
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