Phuong Van Lanh, party secretary of Hoa Thinh Commune in Dak Lak Province, said on May 22 that large numbers of the rare birds had recently returned to local rice fields in search of food.
Hundreds of rare Asian openbill storks appear in fields in Hoa Thinh Commune (Photo: Phuong Nguyen).
According to Lanh, the flock first appeared in the area in March before returning again during the current migration season. Images of the birds spreading their wings and foraging calmly across the fields have attracted widespread attention from local residents.
Authorities said the species is listed in Vietnam’s Red Book of endangered wildlife and urged people to observe the birds without attempting to hunt or trap them.
Local officials have warned residents against any acts of hunting, capturing or disturbing the flock.
The migratory flock of Asian openbill storks forage in rice fields after the harvest season (Photo: Phuong Nguyen).
Earlier, in mid April, around 1,000 Asian openbill storks were spotted feeding during the daytime in fields in Tuy Hoa Ward, also in Dak Lak Province. Following the sightings, the provincial Forest Protection Department called on local authorities and forest rangers to strengthen protection measures in areas visited by the migratory birds.
Forest protection officials also urged greater public awareness of wildlife conservation laws and called for strict action against anyone involved in hunting, killing, transporting or illegally keeping protected species.
The Asian openbill stork, scientifically known as Anastomus oscitans, belongs to the heron family and is classified among Vietnam’s rare and highly protected wildlife species.
The birds are commonly found across parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia.