In the past 3 years, Cao Bang province has continuously recorded the appearance of many rare animals, some of which appeared for the first time. From culi, herons, white-throated chickens to rat pockets, camels, these findings surprised people.
Culi - a rare small presidential species
On October 3, the dashcam of a resident on Provincial Road 208 (Duc Long Commune) recorded a scene of a Culi with a light yellow fur crossing the road and disappearing into the forest cover.
This is a small Primate species, included in the list of endangered, precious, rare, and endangered forest animals.
The sudden appearance of the culi has delighted many people, and at the same time shows signs of the existence of this rare animal in Cao Bang - a place rarely recorded before.
White-cheeseed chickens in Phia Oac mountains and forests - Phia Den
On August 27, 2025, the camera trap system in Phia Oac National Park - Phia Den recorded many images of the white-legged chicken (Lophura nucthemera).
This is a rare bird species, listed in the Red Book of Vietnam, belonging to group IIB according to Circular No. 27/2025/TT-BNNMT.
The discovery of white-legged chickens in the wild is considered to be of special importance, reflecting the richness of biodiversity.
Reappearance of axes after decades
The most notable milestone occurred on March 31, 2025 when the Fauna & Flora Nature Conservation Organization announced that it had recorded a photo of a herring in the old Trung Khanh district.
Prawns are classified as IB - an extremely endangered and rare group according to Vietnamese regulations, with an estimated number in Vietnam of only about 50 individuals.
This is the first time in decades that this rare animal has been confirmed to exist in Cao Bang through a camera trap system.
In particular, it is impossible not to mention the stirring discoveries in 2023 when people continuously witnessed the appearance of strange animals, some of which are extremely rare.
On December 2, 2023, a family in Cao Bang city suddenly discovered a python in their house. This species has a golden fur with many characteristic black spots, extremely rare and has been recorded in the Red Book. After receiving the individual, the Cao Bang Provincial Forest Protection Department took care of and clarified the origin of the individual.
Previously, on November 25, 2023, Xuan Truong commune (Bao Lac district) confirmed the presence of many camels discovered by the Border Guard Station since March of the same year.
Because no one came to receive them, the camels were given to the management station. The image of camels in a northern mountainous province like Cao Bang has created a big surprise on social networks.
Notably, on November 11, 2023, the Thach An District Forest Protection Department received and cared for 4 rat pockets weighing about 10 kg each, discovered in the Bac Quang Pass area.
This is the second time this year that, after the discovery of an individual in early 2023, this animal, which is only known in Australia, has appeared in Cao Bang.
The consecutive appearance of many rare and strange animals in Cao Bang is meaningful.
However, species such as herring, culi or ruoi are still at risk from illegal hunting and degradation of their habitat. The appearance of some strange species such as camels or rat pockets also raises questions about the origin, adaptability as well as impact on the indigenous ecosystem.
The discoveries in the past two years in Cao Bang have both caused surprise and brought many positive signals. This is an opportunity to raise public awareness of wildlife protection, while promoting research and sustainable conservation programs.
