On the afternoon of August 4, at the Center for raising rare hemibagrus species in Bang village, Kim Ngan commune, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Tri province coordinated with the Vietnam Center for Nature Conservation to organize the event "Welcoming the white-crowned pheasant back to its homeland".
Previously, 10 white-crowned pheasant individuals, scientific name Lophura edwardsi, including 5 males and 5 females, were brought to the Center for raising rare hemibagrus species in Bang village.
The flock of chickens originates from conservative breeding populations managed in Europe and transferred to Vietnam through the coordination of Berlin Zoo and Tierpark Berlin and Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc. These are partners participating in the White-crowned Unicorn Recovery Program.
Initially, 10 individuals will be cared for and monitored for their adaptation to local climate conditions. Releasing them back to nature will only be carried out when they meet veterinary, genetic, habit, habitat and safety requirements.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Le Van Bao - Vice Chairman of Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee said that bringing back 10 white-crowned pheasant individuals from Europe has a meaning that goes beyond a conservation breeding program.
According to Mr. Bao, this is the starting point for the journey to restore a unique bird species of Vietnam, and at the same time spread the message of harmonious development between humans and nature.
Vice Chairman of Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee emphasized that for white-crowned pheasant to truly return to nature, the prerequisite is not only to have a healthy flock of chickens but also to ensure safe forests.
Provincial leaders requested departments, branches and related forces to closely coordinate, strengthen patrols, remove traps, protect habitats and prepare necessary conditions for the species restoration roadmap.
According to the plan, the white-crowned pheasant restoration program is expected to conduct re-release tests at the end of 2028.
The white-crowned pheasant used to live in humid low-lying forests in central Vietnam such as Ha Tinh, Quang Tri and Hue city. Habitat degradation, illegal hunting and many prolonged impacts have caused this species to gradually disappear.
In the late 1920s, some individuals were brought to Europe, forming an insurance population and preserving rare genes to this day.
