Cambodia- A new species of bird has been discovered in a rather surprising place. The Cambodian tailorbird was first identified in 2009 in the capital city Phnom Penh during checks for avian flu. Since then, detailed sets of tests have been conducted and scientists have now officially declared that the bird is a distinct and new specie.

The discovery, made by a combined selection of scientists from various conservation groups, has been detailed in a journal for the Oriental Bird Club.

For a new species to be discovered in an urban area, especially one where the local population numbers several million is exceedingly rare, as Simon Mahood, the lead author of the report, explained.

"The modern discovery of an un-described bird species within the limits of a large populous city – not to mention 30 minutes from my home – is extraordinary”.

The delay in discovering the bird may also have stemmed from the nature of their habitat. It is suggested in the report that the Cambodian tailorbird makes its home in areas of floodplain scrubland, an ecosystem found in abundance on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. These areas are rarely targeted by birdwatchers, as the species that live within them are usually abundant and widespread throughout the region.

Amidst the joy of this new discovery, there is also trepidation. Much scrubland is being cleared, and this shrinking of the tailorbird’s habitat has led the team behind the discovery to request it be listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

P.O.S