Unmistakable due to large size. Giant Ibises are easily the largest species of this bird in the world. It has been believed that the only remaining populations of Cambodia’s national bird, the Giant ibis (Thaumatibis gigantea), were restricted to the northern regions of the country.However, we have just confirmed a population of the Critically Endangered bird in the Cardamom Mountains! The main reason for the decline of these large water bird species is habitat destruction. The plan aims are that by 2025 the Giant Ibis population will be stable or increasing and the species will inhabit a network of well-protected sites. The Giant Ibis is Cambodia’s National Bird and one of 50 endangered species in the Northern Plains. Appearance: ... (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania), the ibis population is plentiful. Upperwing-coverts mainly silvery grey, contrasting with a darker body and flight feathers. According to Josephus, Moses used the ibis to help him defeat the Ethiopians. Two of the most charismatic large wetland birds, the mysterious Giant Ibis, Thaumatibis gigantea, and the beautiful White-shouldered Ibis, Pseudibis davisoni, suffered tremendous losses in all over their distribution range in Asia during the last 80 years. They weigh nearly 10 pounds, and stand over 3 feet tall. The critically endangered giant ibis, for example, has a population perhaps of less than 250 birds. The Critically Endangered giant ibis is the largest ibis in the world, twice the size of the second largest ibis species. In 2005, the Giant Ibis was designated the national bird of Cambodia. In the legend of Noah's ark, the ibis bird is mentioned, which, after the flood, led Noah to the upper Euphrates, where Noah settled with his family. Conservation Framework. The oldest ibis is 60 million years old. It is the largest of all ibis species, hence its common name. Giant Ibis ត្រយងយក្ស ; ឳលើក (Thaumatibis gigantea) Identification: 102–106 cm; c. 3515 g (one male). Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Today Giant Ibis Transport company become the first BirdLife Species Champion in Cambodia after providing financial support to prevent the extinction of Cambodia’s national bird, the Giant Ibis. Narrow black stripes across nape. Giant Ibis: Population name: Indochina: Breeding range: Cambodia, marginally in S Laos, Thailand, & S Vietnam: Non-breeding range: Red List Category: Critically Endangered: Ramsar regions: Asia Notes: Often placed in genus Pseudibis. Once found across much of mainland Southeast Asia, today an estimated population of fewer than 200 live mainly in the northern and eastern plains of Cambodia. Common name Binomial name Population Status Trend Notes Image São Tomé ibis: Bostrychia bocagei: 70 – 400: CR: White-bellied heron: Ardea insignis: 70 – 400: CR: Giant ibis: Thaumatibis gigantea: 345: CR: Minimum estimate. Sadly, this species is threatened by habitat destruction and hunting. Giant ibis (Thaumatibis giganteа) Genus: thaumatibis. The giant Ibis went unrecorded for more than 50 years until it was rediscovered by WCS in 1993. Giant Ibis – Ok, so this species isn’t an ancient god, but they are still impressive birds! The forests and wetlands of the Northern Plains, which these endangered birds depend on for habitat, are used by long-established local communities. A 10-year Giant Ibis National Action Plan was published in 2015 (Loveridge and Ty 2015). Interesting Facts. Species by global population. Its numbers have declined due to hunting and habitat destruction. The Giant Ibis (Thaumatibis gigantea) is a critically endangered ibis with an estimated population of only 100 surviving pairs. Deforestation, climate change and …