Around 5:45 PM on 19/8, Nguyen Xuan Loc from Cu Chanh 1, Thuy Xuan ward, spotted a white pheasant near the giant dragon statue in Thuy Tien Lake Park. He captured the bird and handed it over to the Thuy Xuan ward People's Committee (UBND).

Recognizing the white pheasant as a protected species under the care of Bach Ma National Park, the Thuy Xuan ward UBND arranged for the bird's transport to the park that same night. The male pheasant weighed over 1.5 kg.

The white pheasant captured by Loc near the giant dragon statue. Photo: Thuy Xuan ward UBND

The white pheasant captured by Loc near the giant dragon statue. Photo: Thuy Xuan ward UBND

The white pheasant (Lophura nycthemera) is a species of pheasant found in the 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 retain olive-brown plumage throughout their lives. Males measure 80-127 cm in length, females 56-71 cm, and they weigh 1-2 kg. Their breeding season is from February to June, with clutches of 4-10 eggs.

Previously, under Decree 84/2021, the white pheasant was classified as a Group IB species, prohibiting its exploitation and commercial use. However, under Circular 27/2025, it has been reclassified as Group IIB, meaning commercial exploitation is restricted but not entirely prohibited.

In a previous case, Thai Khac Thanh, 45, from Nghe An province, was sentenced to six years in prison by the Hung Yen Regional Court for violating regulations on endangered species protection related to trading white pheasants. Thanh was released on bail after 4.5 months in custody.

Vo Thanh