Precious birds appear in Lam Dong

According to information from BirdLife, recent field studies have discovered three new locations of Mi LiangBiang (Crocias Langbianis, scientific name). This species is endemic to Vietnam and is globally threatened.
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These three new locations are located in Da Nhim, D'Ran and Don Duong (Lam Dong). Prior to this study, data and information collected about Mi birds were found only in Lam Vien Nature Reserve, including Ta Nung valley and Chu Yang Sin National Park (Dak Lak).

During the field trip, the BirdLife scientists, the Lam Dong Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Bi Doup - Nui Ba National Park, found Mi LangBiang in two locations: Da Nhim watershed protection forest (Lac Duong district) - where is being destroyed to prepare for construction of hydropower works. Notably, a couple of these birds are also found at the edge of the forest, about 50 meters from the hydropower plant.

In addition, in Don Duong district, 3 pairs of Mi are found in the protection forest at the head of D'Ran and another 7 pairs of Mi are found along 25 km of forest block of Don Duong Forestry Company. This is a large green leaf forest area that is harvested every 35 years.

Chim Mi Langbiang (Crocias Langbianis) in Don Duong district.
(Photo: Jonathan C. Eames)

" We are very concerned about 2 of the 3 newly discovered locations. The water storage area for the hydropower project in Da Nhim is located right in this ecological and habitat layer of this Mi. Single Duong is being affected. exploit "BirdLife International chief representative in Indochina Jonathan C Eames said.

The scientists also witnessed the destruction of the Da Nhim watershed protection forest as well as the habitat and habitat of this Mi species, to grow coffee and plant Japanese horseradish (used for processing wasabi).

BirdLife is working with partners to identify high value conservation forests and promote sustainable management. This program is part of a wider project to receive funding from the Tropical Forest Fund - an initiative of the Vietnamese Government.