Importance of Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia, for the endangered green peafowl: implications of co-occurrence near human use areas

The globally endangered green peafowl (Pavo muticus) has dramatically declined over recent decades. Deforestation, land-use modification, hunting and increasing encroachment levels continue to threaten remaining populations. Northern and eastern Cambodia represent one of the species’ remaining strongholds. However, only a few robust population estimates exist across this species’ range. We conducted distance-based point counts of vocalisations to estimate male green peafowl densities in the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary, eastern Cambodia. We surveyed a total of 80 listening post stations across two different management areas during the 2016 breeding season. Results indicate that the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary supports the largest population of green peafowl in Cambodia, with an estimated population of 1,165 calling males. Male peafowl densities were higher in the outer survey area, closer to human settlements and agricultural farms, than the core survey area, with estimated densities of 1.08 males/km² and 0.56 males/km² respectively. Distances to rivers and villages also influenced green peafowl detection rates. Overall, these results highlight the global importance of the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary for conserving green peafowl populations. However, this species also damages agricultural crops. Thus, future conservation initiatives need to incorporate a holistic approach that integrates the needs of people and wildlife co-existing in areas of shared resources. To achieve this, future interdisciplinary strategies should focus on wildlife-friendly agricultural approaches that will benefit landowners’ economic outputs whilst simultaneously promoting pro-conservation attitudes. At the same time, management approaches need to address wildlife hunting and the use of lethal mitigation measures within and around human use areas.