According to representatives from the Forest Protection Department of Region IX, the black-necked crane (also known as the black-headed crane or black-necked crane) is a rare and endangered bird, listed in the Vietnamese and global Red Books of endangered species due to its small population and shrinking habitat. However, illegal hunting, trading, and consumption of wild birds still occur in some areas, affecting biodiversity conservation efforts.
A flock of black-necked cranes was recorded in La Bang Lagoon starting on May 8th. Forest rangers in Region IX deployed forces to monitor and prevent people from hunting or harming the cranes. To date, the black-necked cranes are still living and foraging in La Bang Lagoon.
To protect the black-necked crane population from harm, the Forest Protection Department of Region IX issued Official Letter No. 239/HKL requesting the communes of Phuoc Giang, Ve Giang, Thien Tin, Tra Giang, Nghia Hanh, Minh Long, Son Mai, Nghia Giang, Tu Nghia, and Dinh Cuong to coordinate and strengthen propaganda through local radio systems, in residential areas, villages, and neighborhoods regarding legal regulations related to the protection of wild animals, wild birds, and migratory birds.
At the same time, we urge the public not to hunt, keep, buy, sell, transport, or consume wild birds illegally; and not to use nets, glue, electrical devices, sound lures, or other means to illegally exploit birds.
Forest rangers in Region IX also recommended that local authorities direct relevant agencies to strengthen inspections, promptly detect, prevent, and handle violations in accordance with the law. Upon discovering any incidents related to the illegal hunting, transportation, or trading of wild animals, they requested that the Region IX Forest Ranger Station be notified immediately for coordinated inspection and handling.