Ten years ago, the red-headed cranes arrived in the area of Binh An commune, Kien Luong district (Kien Giang) with a population of over 360 individuals. However, the number of red-headed cranes has gradually decreased, and they have been absent for nearly two years now.
The primary reason for the decline in crane numbers is the shrinking of their natural habitat. The fields of sedge, which are the main food source for the cranes, have now been transformed into shrimp ponds, and sites for stone and clay extraction.
However, since mid-February 2013, more than 30 red-headed cranes have been migrating daily to forage and reside in the areas of Hon Chong and Ba Nui in Binh An commune.
Local residents report that the cranes leave to forage very early in the morning, around 6:30 AM, returning to roost near the Holcim cement factory in the evening.
Unlike previous years, the cranes no longer forage in large groups; instead, they are seen in smaller groups of 3-4 individuals foraging in various locations.
During the same period, in the border district of Giang Thanh, the red-headed crane conservation area in Phu My’s sedge fields has seen a noticeable absence of cranes foraging, unlike previous years, due to the death of the sedge fields from drought, leading to a loss of their primary food source.
Local residents indicate that since the beginning of 2013, only a few cranes have appeared here to scout the area, but they have since been absent.
