Title
Ecology and conservation of the grey-headed fish-eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) at Prek Toal, Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia
Author(s)
Tingay, R.;Visal, S.;Nicoll, M.
Published
2012
Publisher
Ornis Mongolica
Abstract
The Grey-headed Fish-eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) is a poorly-studied raptor ranging from north east India,
down the Thai-Malay Peninsula, to Indonesia. The species is in apparent population decline and until recently, virtually
nothing was known of its specific ecological requirements in any part of its range. In 2005, we discovered a high-density
breeding population at Prek Toal, part of the seasonally flooded swamp forest surrounding Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia.
We suggest this is a regionally significant population, after reported declines in neighbouring Thailand, Vietnam, Laos
PDR, Myanmar and Malaysia. We have undertaken research on the species’ breeding and foraging ecology over the last
five years, demonstrating that this fish eagle population requires relatively tall nest trees with an open-canopy structure,
situated close to permanent water (as opposed to the seasonal temporary water that recedes from the forest during the
eagles’ breeding season). This population is partially reliant on water snakes, as well as fish. We have identified two main
threats to this population’s stability: (a) the unsustainable mass harvesting of water snakes - an estimated 6.9 million snakes
are removed from the swamp forest each year for human consumption, food for thousands of captive crocodile farms
around the lake, and for the illegal medicinal trade in Southeast Asia; and (b) the development of large hydropower dams
in the upstream reaches of the Mekong River in China, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, which not only have the potential
to cause significant changes to the seasonal flood regime, affecting the productivity of the Tonle Sap ecosystem, but also
the potential to deposit large quantities of mercury into this important wetland area. Our on-going studies include colourbanding juveniles, mercury sampling, and rapid assessment surveys for fish eagles in other parts of this vast swamp forest. We also continue to provide training and support for local field staff.
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the WCS Library to request.
![]()
Back
PUB14858