The Government of Cambodia has made a significant step towards protecting important habitat for the Bengal Florican. In an effort to save this Endangered flagship species from extinction is to be set aside as Integrated Farming and Biodiversity Areas (IFBAs).

The Bengal Florican — the world’s rarest bustard — is known to have become increasingly threatened by land conversion for intensive agriculture, particularly from dry-season rice production.

The disappearance of grassland habitat in Kampong Thom and Siem Reap provinces has been identified as a key reason behind the decline in Bengal Floricans. The florican has suffered enormous declines because of large-scale changes in agricultural techniques that have occurred throughout South-East Asia.

This project aims to preserve the biodiversity (especially the Bengal floricans) and to develop a sustainable agriculture to improve the livelihood of the local population.

Integrated Farming and Biodiversity Areas (IFBAs) will be implemented and certified at provincial then national level, and will be secured by patrols.

30 villages will be selected. The local population will be associated to define the most appropriate farming methods (included System of Rice Intensification technique).

Photo Credit : © Allan Michaud

Last update: 20/06/2007

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