November 12, 2025
PHNOM PENH – A group of endangered peacocks, or “green peafowl”, have successfully hatched seven chicks in Siem Reap recently.
The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) explained on November 8 that it has successfully bred peafowl — also known as Mayura — for several years, as part of as part of its assurance population program to ensure they do not go extinct. The current global population of the species is estimated to number fewer than 30,000 individuals.
“In 2025, we successfully bred and hatched seven chicks. The global population is estimated at approximately 15,000 to 29,999 individuals, of which about 10,000 to 19,999 are mature adults,” it stated, adding that Cambodia is home to more than 1,000 of these beautiful birds.
The Ministry of Environment reports that the omnivorous peafowl are present year-round in Cambodia, mostly in mixed forest landscapes, forest edges, bamboo groves and dry deciduous woodlands, often seen foraging in groups or perching in tall trees.
Peafowl are large-bodied, with long legs, a long neck, and broad greenish plumage. While females have duller colours and short tails, males have a long, elaborate tail decorated with hundreds of eye-like blue and gold spots.
During the breeding season, from February to April, the male spreads its tail feathers into a fan to attract females. Each female lays 3 to 10 eggs, building her nest on the ground. The eggs hatch after around four weeks, and within two to three months, the young chicks become capable of foraging on their own.