Most extensive book ever on Cambodian birdlife published

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) -- A British conservation group says it has published the most extensive book ever on Cambodian birdlife in collaboration with the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

In a statement late Tuesday, Fauna & Flora International predicted the book would become an "indispensable reference" to ornithologists, conservationists and bird watchers.

"As the most extensive book on Cambodian birdlife ever published, it is the first to comprehensively cover the latest knowledge on the Kingdom’s fascinating avifauna.

ALL SPECIES IDENTIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS OF SURVEYS

"Twelve years of ornithological surveys and observations, coupled with six years of review of all available records has resulted in a thorough account, identifying all bird species throughout Cambodia, including those of national conservation concern," the statement said.

The Cambridge-based group noted that the sole review of local birdlife was previously confined to pre-1970s records.

"Information on Cambodian birds has grown exponentially since the 1990s," it said, adding that the book provided an "authoritative basis for a national red data book and future conservation legislation."

The book, "The Birds of Cambodia – An Annotated Checklist",

is published by the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation, a collaboration between FFI and the Royal University of Phnom Penh, which also runs the only Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation postgraduate course in Cambodia.

Proceeds will be used to "build awareness and capacity among young Cambodians for bird conservation," the statement said. 

The price of the book was not disclosed.