CRCritically EndangeredPartial review

Giant Ibis

Thaumatibis gigantea

At a glance

IUCN category
CR · Critically Endangered
Animal group
Birds
Population trend
Decreasing
Last verified

Conservation overview

The giant ibis is the largest ibis in the world and the national bird of Cambodia. It is assessed as Critically Endangered.

It is a shy bird of remote lowland forests and seasonal wetlands.

Range & habitat

Lowland forests and wetlands of northern Cambodia and adjacent areas.

Major threats

Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.

  • Habitat loss and drainage
  • Hunting and disturbance
  • A tiny population

Why it matters

A huge, shy ibis reduced to a tiny population, the giant ibis is a flagship for protecting the remaining lowland forests and wetlands of northern Cambodia.

Sources

Sources for Giant Ibis

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the giant ibis?
It is the largest of the ibises, a tall, heavy-bodied bird far bigger than the familiar ibises of city parks and wetlands elsewhere.
Why is the giant ibis Critically Endangered?
Published assessments cite habitat loss and drainage, hunting and disturbance, and a very small population. See the IUCN Red List for the current assessment.

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