The Chon Thanh ward's economic and urban infrastructure department confirmed on 18/8 that they received the white pheasant from Loi. The bird was found three days earlier in a rubber plantation in Dong Tam hamlet. Loi initially thought it was a domestic chicken, but upon noticing the characteristic white plumage of the rare white pheasant, she captured it and reported it to the authorities.

Chon Thanh ward police and the economic and urban infrastructure department then transferred the bird to forest rangers for conservation measures.

Loi hands over the white pheasant to the authorities. Photo: Minh Bang

Loi hands over the white pheasant to the authorities. Photo: Minh Bang

The white pheasant (Lophura nycthemera) is a bird of the Phasianidae family, found in the mountainous forests of Southeast Asia and China, with 15 subspecies. Adult males have white plumage, a black crest, and a blue-black or white belly; females have olive-brown plumage throughout their lives. Males measure 80-127 cm in length, females 56-71 cm, and they weigh 1-2 kg. The breeding season lasts from February to June, with each clutch containing 4-10 eggs.

According to Circular 27/2025 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, effective from 1/7, the white pheasant is classified as a Group II endangered and rare species. The circular stipulates that this species must be conserved in situ or transferred to licensed facilities for breeding to support research, conservation, and ecotourism. Exploitation, breeding, and trading activities must have a legal origin and not harm the wild population. Commercial breeding is only permitted for the F2 generation certified by CITES Vietnam.

Previously, Thai Khac Thanh (45 years old, Hung Yen) was sentenced to six years in prison by the regional court for violating regulations on the protection of endangered, rare, and precious animals related to the illegal trade of white pheasants.

Phuoc Tuan