haven of peace for antigone cranes

>> Dông Thap campaigns for the protection of red-headed cranes

>> Project for the reintroduction of red-headed cranes into the Tràm Chim National Park

>> Tràm Chim National Park will welcome 100 red-headed cranes

Despite its iconic status, the population of antigone cranes, classified as critically endangered, is experiencing an alarming decline in Tràm Chim National Park and Dông Thap province. In recent years, the number of individuals returning to settle in this region has decreased drastically, even reaching the point of total disappearance in some years. Faced with this emergency, the provincial authorities launched an ambitious ten-year conservation project, aimed at restoring and perpetuating the populations of antigone cranes in this exceptional natural site.

A return in alarming decline

Less than three decades ago, the Tràm Chim National Park welcomed more than a thousand red-headed cranes each year, attracted by the richness of its ecosystem. This natural spectacle was a testimony to the health of this unique environment. However, in recent years numbers have fallen precipitously, revealing an alarming decline in crane populations and highlighting the urgency for action

According to data provided by the Tràm Chim National Park, only 21 cranes were recorded in 2015, 14 in 2016, 9 in 2017, and 11 in 2018 and 2019. Even more worrying, no individuals were observed in 2020, 2022 and 2023. If this trend continues, Antigonian cranes could completely disappear from this region in the near future, or even face complete extinction.

Bùi Thanh Phong, deputy director of Tram Chim National Park, explained that in the past, the park's ecological conditions were particularly suitable for cranes, allowing them to settle there in large numbers. However, over time, socio-economic changes in the region, increasing human population and intensive agricultural development, including widespread use of pesticides, have significantly disrupted the cranes' natural habitat. Another significant reason is the management of the park's water reserves. To prevent fires, water reservoirs were put in place, which prevented the natural growth of certain plants essential to the cranes' diet, such as wild rice and sedges. As a result, the park has become less and less attractive to these migratory birds.

An ambitious project to save red-headed cranes

Faced with this alarming situation, the province of Dong Thap launched an ambitious conservation project in November 2023. This project, which will extend over ten years, aims to restore crane populations through a captive breeding and reintroduction. The goal is ambitious: to raise and release at least 100 cranes into the wild over the next ten years, with a guaranteed survival of at least 50 individuals.

The antigone crane, a rare species listed in the world Red Book.

Photo : VNA/CVN

This antigone crane conservation project in Tràm Chim is of crucial importance not only for the survival of this emblematic species, but also for the preservation of the biodiversity of the entire national park and the Mekong region. where antigone cranes face growing threats. The success of this project could also serve as a model for other endangered species conservation initiatives around the world.

Encouraging first results

After years of efforts to restore the ecosystem and natural habitats of cranes in Tràm Chim National Park, a landmark event occurred in March 2024: four red-headed cranes were observed in zone A5 of the park , looking for food. This return, although still modest, constitutes a promising sign of the effectiveness of the measures put in place. This shows that the park is starting to become a viable habitat for these rare birds again.

Currently, the Tràm Chim National Park authorities, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, are continuing efforts to restore ecosystems, improve habitats and provide the best possible conditions to encourage the cranes to return sustainably.

Concrete actions and a sustainability model

The Antigonian crane conservation project at Tràm Chim is an ambitious initiative based on international collaboration. Thanks to a partnership with Thailand, antigone cranes were welcomed in Vietnam to form a core captive population. Research programs are being implemented to study their reproduction in captivity and optimize the conditions for their reintroduction into their natural environment. The objective is to gradually reintroduce these majestic birds into the Tràm Chim National Park, in order to restore wild populations and preserve this unique ecosystem.

The Tràm Chim Antigone Crane Conservation Project takes an integrated approach, combining ecosystem restoration, scientific research and local community participation. In parallel with breeding efforts in captivity, actions are being carried out to regenerate the food plants essential to cranes and to promote sustainable ecological agriculture. This innovative model aims to reconcile the preservation of biodiversity and the economic development of local populations.

With this commitment, Dong Thap province aspires to create a true sanctuary for the cranes, where they can not only resettle, but also thrive in a healthy and balanced ecosystem. The future of cranes will depend on the success of these collective efforts.

VNA/CVN