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| Asian openbill is a rare stork found in the Mekong Delta province of Bạc Liêu. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Văn Trí |
Viet Nam News
HCM CITY — About 200 Asian openbill storks, listed in the rare bird category in the Việt Nam Red Data Book, have been seen in Bạc Liêu Bird Sanctuary in the Mekong Delta province of Bạc Liêu since the beginning of the year.
The birds weigh 1 to 1.6kilos each with a wingspan of over 1 metre. Its risk of extinction is high, according to experts.
The Asian openbill stork mostly resides in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
In Việt Nam, the species is found in small numbers in some areas in Tây Ninh Province and the southwest region.
Asian openbills are easily hunted by locals as they live off the field feeding on frogs, crabs and large insects. Habitat loss in recent years has forced them to migrate to other areas.
The Bạc Liêu Bird Sanctuary’s management board said those authorities’ efforts in creating a safe environment for birds, including rare species, to live and the breed has brought positive results.
Patrols have also increased the number of inspections to prevent birds from being hunted down, and residents have been educated about and encouraged to take part in forest protection.
The Bạc Liêu Bird Sanctuary covers 130ha in Bạc Liêu City’s Nhà Mát Ward.
The site attracts more than 60,000 birds from 100 species, including rare types like spot-billed pelicans, painted storks, oriental darters, black-headed ibises, and great cormorants.
It is also home to 150 other animal and 109 plant species.
The Bạc Liêu Bird Sanctuary was recognised by the Prime Minister as a Nature Research of Species Habitat Conservation Area in October 2014.
The sanctuary is one of a few bird parks located in Việt Nam. — VNS
