Dinh Duc Dung, 63, from Tan Ky Commune, discovered an unusual bird, believed to be a rare species, flying into his garden. The bird had a long wingspan and a striking yellow beak, prompting him to promptly report the case to local authorities.
Rare great hornbill released back into the wild (Photo by Thanh Trung)
The Tan Ky police and forest rangers identified the bird as a great hornbill, a species classified in Group IB, listed among endangered and rare animals in need of strict protection.
The forces released the animal back into the wild on October 7.
According to Le Viet Quy, Vice Chairman of the Tan Ky Commune People’s Committee, the bird was properly cared for and safeguarded before the release. Quy also hailed Dung’s act of handing over the animal.
The great hornbill’s most distinctive feature is the bright yellow and black casque on its massive beak, a hollow keratin structure that accounts for approximately 11 per cent of its body weight. Males have red eyes, females have blue eyes, and the species is regarded as a symbol of Southeast Asia’s ancient tropical forests.
