The People’s Committee of Dong Thap Province has announced plans to reintroduce the endangered red-crowned crane - a species at risk of extinction - from Thailand to Tram Chim National Park for conservation purposes.

On December 12, Dong Thap authorities launched the "Conservation and Development Project for the Red-Crowned Crane at Tram Chim National Park (2022–2032)."

The red-crowned crane, with its striking height of up to 1.8 meters and distinctive red markings on its head, is the tallest flying bird in the world and symbolizes peace, good fortune, and sustainable development. The species is currently listed as vulnerable.

Dong Thap Provincial Chairman Pham Thien Nghia noted that the province has long been a natural habitat for the red-crowned crane. In past years, thousands of these cranes migrated annually to Tram Chim for nesting and feeding.

Tram Chim National Park, located in Tam Nong District, is recognized as Vietnam’s fourth Ramsar site. It represents one of the last remnants of the Dong Thap Muoi wetland ecosystem and boasts exceptional biodiversity.

However, climate change, altered hydrological patterns, and other factors have disrupted Tram Chim’s ecosystem, causing a decline in many plant and animal species. This includes the shrinkage of Eleocharis grasslands, the cranes’ preferred food source, as well as a reduction in aquatic species, further impacting the cranes' habitat and food supply.

Dong Thap’s 10-year conservation project aims to breed and reintroduce about 100 red-crowned cranes, with 50 individuals expected to adapt to the natural environment.

Phase 1 (2022–2028): The province will import 30 red-crowned cranes (aged six months) from Thailand for nurturing, care, and eventual release into the wild.

Phase 2 (2029–2032): Another 30 cranes (six months old) will be brought from Thailand. By this stage, the project aims to breed approximately 40 additional cranes from the initial flock.

The People’s Committee anticipates that the project will allow both residents and visitors to Dong Thap to observe and learn about the cranes’ natural environment and growth characteristics, fostering greater appreciation and awareness for this majestic species.

Hoai Thanh