Enhancing Forest Ponds/Trapeang: A Sustainable Solution to Water Scarcity for Wildlife in Dry Seasons
In regions experiencing prolonged dry spells, the scarcity of water poses a significant challenge for wildlife survival. To mitigate this issue, forest pond (Trapeang) modification has emerged as an effective and eco-friendly solution. By enhancing existing ponds or creating new ones, we can store water strategically, ensuring a reliable water source for animals during the arid seasons.
Trapeang or Forest pond modification involves implementing various techniques to maximize water retention and minimize evaporation. One such method is the construction of small dams or embankments around the pond’s perimeter. These structures help trap rainwater runoff, preventing it from flowing away and instead channeling it into the pond. Additionally, planting vegetation around the pond can provide shade, reducing evaporation rates and maintaining water levels for longer periods.
Furthermore, incorporating natural filtration systems, such as wetlands or biofilters, can improve water quality. These systems not only remove pollutants but also enhance the overall ecosystem by creating a balanced habitat for diverse flora and fauna. As the forest pond becomes a thriving ecosystem, it attracts an array of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, and mammals, ensuring their survival during the dry season.
Forest pond modification projects also offer benefits beyond wildlife conservation. By storing water, these ponds can help recharge groundwater levels, contributing to the overall water availability in the region. Additionally, they can serve as educational sites, raising awareness about the importance of water conservation and ecosystem preservation.
With all above mentions, Cambodia Bird Guide Assocation (CBGA) together with Tmatboey Community with legal support from Provincial Department of Environment of Preah Vihear conducted a modification project on 3-5 May 2024 and as a result 6 forest ponds were modified and deepened under financial support from CBGA.
Inconclusion, forest pond modification is a sustainable approach to combat water scarcity for wildlife during dry seasons. By implementing techniques such as dam construction, vegetation planting, and natural filtration systems, these modified ponds can store water efficiently while creating a thriving ecosystem. Such initiatives not only safeguard the survival of various animal species but also contribute to groundwater recharge and environmental education. Embracing these eco-friendly solutions is crucial in ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in water-scarce regions.
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After a long hibernation during Covid-19 and hard time, CBGA has begun its activities slowly and carefully according to the safety guideline of the Royal Government of Cambodia. Amongst those activities, October Count is a new event for CBGA as well as Cambodia while similar events have happened in countries of the region for years and this event will be organized annually in October at appropriate selected location.
The purpose of the event to collect data of species for the first migration period in the potential area where birds stop to feed during wintertime and this data can help us more for species record and determine where we should discuss with local farmers to give a safe zone for birds under collaboration with CBGA.
Rules and regulations
The rule is the counting should be done with a dimeter of 1km from 6:00am – 6:00pm in the same area and participants can put in the birds they could see and identified both with binoculars and vocalization. The checklist will be published in the blog of CBGA (here) one day after the event.
Participation
This event is for the publics so anyone can join CBGA team to help with the count and without any charge but requested to prepare for their own food and water during the count.
Result for October Bird Count
For 2022, we counted 60 species of birds with 2 records for the first time in the area — White-faced Plover and Sanderling.
Here is a full checklist with number of birds seen:
If you are interested to join this event next year or want to organize your own one in your region, you may follow us on Facebook or our website to get the date and location.
The result we received by May 2020, after the pond modification project that we did in May 2019 in Tmatboey. Confirmed by Tmatboey community chief.
Here’s our video clip of the critically endangered Bengal Florican from our team’s photography trip to the Florican Grassland late of this April 2020. Cambodia Bird Guide Association arranges bird photography trip to all birding sites in Cambodia with our expert guides.
Birding in Cambodia, Southeast Asia, with professional bird guides from the Cambodia Bird Guide Association (CBGA), based in Siem Reap, to help you find birds you would like to see. With various trips from half-day to 3-week itinerary in Cambodia.
Taking you to our 18 birding sites in Cambodia:
1. Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary – Boat trip across Tonle Sap to the breeding colony of large waterbird.
2. Angkor Wat – Temples and birds at the archaeological park UNESCO World Heritage Site
3. Kbal Spean – Temples and birds at Kulen National Park
5. Changkran Roy – Bird feeding station, also best for bird photographing
6. Ang Trapeang Thmor – Sarus Crane Reserve
8. Koh Ker – DDF forest for forest bird White-rumped Pygmy-falcon and the pyramid temple
9. Tmatboey – Dry dipterocarp forest for Giant and White-shouldered Ibis
11. Okoki – White-winged Duck pool in Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary
12. Kratie – Boat trip to see the River Dolphin and Mekong Wagtail
14. Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary – Evergreen forest for mammals and birds in the Eastern Plain
15. Chaktomuk Marshland – Home for Cambodian Tailorbird
17. Bokor National Park – birding in the southern part of Cambodia
