Vietnam will take drastic measures to protect the white-crest pheasant, an unique type of bird indigenous to Vietnam facing imminent extinction, with the intent to fully recover the species by 2030.

The target was reached during a round table discussion between wildlife experts and forest ranger forces from across the nation, held in central Quang Binh province on April 16.

Participating consortiums outlined four protective measures, including mobilising necessary resources; conducting relevant in-depth research studies; building well-managed and protected habitats for the bird; and breeding.

Scientific documents showed that the endangered bird previously inhabited the four central provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue. The species was last known to be seen in the wild in 2000; their rapid disappearance was due largely to habitat loss and hunting.

VNA