According to reports, a rare species of snake-headed birds with a population of over 100 individuals is on the brink of extinction and has unexpectedly appeared at Buu Long Tourist Area (Buu Long Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province).
Observations show that the snake-headed bird population is currently breeding well, with many chicks being born here. (Photo: Hoang Anh)
On July 23, Mr. Tran Dang Ninh, President of the Dong Nai Provincial Tourism Association and Chairman of the Member Council of Buu Long Tourist Area, stated: After the birds returned to nest, the tourist area reported to the Dong Nai Provincial Forest Protection Department to consider coordinating with the tourist area in protecting this rare bird population.
Mr. Ninh also mentioned that the nesting site of the birds is located within the tourist area and on a small rock mountain in the lake, making it very safe. However, the Management Board of the tourist area also requires staff to strictly protect the site, allowing visitors to observe from a distance and prohibiting any actions that may scare the birds.
The rare snake-headed bird population nests on the rock mountain in the lake, avoiding natural predators as well as humans. (Photo: Thanh Hai)
According to staff at Buu Long Tourist Area, the snake-headed birds were first discovered here in 2019 with a population of up to 500 individuals. However, the current population has significantly decreased. Typically, at the end of the year, the snake-headed birds migrate from other places to winter here, then leave, with only a few pairs returning to breed. This year, however, the number of birds returning to breed has increased significantly since March. Another notable difference this year is that the chicks are white, while in previous years, they were black.
| Snake-headed birds are a wild bird species belonging to the pelican family. These birds tend to gather in flocks of up to 100 individuals but exhibit a strong territorial behavior during the breeding season. Their primary diet consists of fish species. Snake-headed birds typically inhabit areas around the equator, in tropical and subtropical regions. They thrive in freshwater or brackish environments and can be found in lakes, rivers, swamps, estuaries, bays, and wetland forests. |
