Tran Van Cuong, Head of Forest Ranger Station IX under the Quang Ngai Forest Protection Department, confirmed on 11/5 that a flock of hundreds of black-necked cranes appeared at La Bang wetland three days prior. These migratory birds chose the wetland to forage, though their constant movement over a wide area has made monitoring and filming challenging for authorities. To address this, authorities plan to use a drone tomorrow to capture images and assess the cranes' current status.

The crane flock at La Bang wetland. *Photo: Dinh Cuong Commune People's Committee*

Black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) primarily breed on the Tibetan Plateau, migrating to warmer regions like India, Bhutan, and parts of southern China. This species is characterized by a grayish-white body and black neck. Classified under Group IB as endangered, rare, and strictly protected animals, the black-necked crane is listed in both the Red Book of Vietnam and the world due to its limited wild population and shrinking habitat.

In response to the sighting, forest rangers have deployed personnel to monitor the flock. They are also collaborating with local authorities to raise public awareness, urging residents not to use nets, glue traps, electrical devices, or sound for illegal hunting. Upon completing their observations, authorities will report findings and propose appropriate protection measures.

Local residents stated that while La Bang wetland regularly hosts many migratory birds and storks, this marks the first time they have observed such a large number of black-necked cranes.

Pham Linh