Nguyen Hong Thach, head of the Ayun Pa regional forest protection unit in Gia Lai Province, said on July 1 that the agency had deployed staff to monitor and protect a flock of Asian openbill storks that has appeared in the area.
For several days, more than 100 of the birds have been flying in groups and descending on rice fields in Phu Thien Commune, Gia Lai Province, to feed. The appearance of the unusual flock has drawn the attention of local residents.
The flock of Asian openbill storks descends on fields in Phu Thien Commune to feed (Photo: Gia Han).
Thach said residents are now entering the sowing season, with large areas of rice growing well. Abundant natural food sources such as snails, crabs and insects in the fields have created favourable conditions for the migratory birds to stop and feed.
According to Thach, forest rangers have been closely monitoring the flock for several days to determine where the birds are roosting. However, they appear to be flying into the area only to feed before moving on elsewhere. Authorities are coordinating with police and local officials to urge residents not to hunt, trap or drive away the birds, helping to conserve the rare species and protect the natural ecosystem.
"The return of the flock shows that the ecological environment in this area still maintains suitable conditions for migratory waterbirds to come here to feed and rest," Thach said.
The head of the Ayun Pa regional forest protection unit also said that in April 2025, the birds had flown to Ia Pa Commune in Gia Lai Province to feed for several days before continuing their migration.
The Asian openbill stork, scientifically known as Anastomus oscitans, is a rare waterbird listed in Vietnam's Red Book and classified in Group IB, which covers endangered, precious and rare forest wildlife under strict legal protection. Hunting, trapping, captive breeding, transporting or trading the species is strictly prohibited under Vietnamese law.
