An island in the central province of Quang Binh has been the home of a large number of swiftlets for many years, but they seem to be leaving.
Pham Ngoc Que, a resident from Quang Dong Village, Quang Trach Commune, said these birds used to build their nests on the 10-ha Yen Island, two nautical miles from shore and near Hon La Port.
Yen Island
Many people in Quang Dong Commune often sail to the island in order to catch the birds. But in recent years, fewer and fewer swiftlets can be found there. Some say that it is a combination of climate change and tourism projects that has caused the migration.
Because of the dry soil, many kinds of trees that used to grow on the island can no longer survive. Now the landscape is mainly covered by brush.
Currently, the island is home to only six people who are employees of Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company. They have been trying to coax the birds back using bird calls, and monitor their numbers.
According to representatives of the company, even more swiftlets have left the island over the past two months. They attributed this to hunting by locals and predators such as the falcon.
They added that they are working with local authorities in Quang Dong Commune to restore the bird population.
A number of local fishermen have complained that the construction of Hon La Port has prevented fish and shrimp from coming near the shore. This, they said, effects their livlihood as well as the swiftlet population on the island.
Some photos of Yen Island:
Next to Ngang Pass, the island covers 10ha
Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company employees the only permanent residents
Muong is now the popular tree on the island
Sand banks
Rocky shore
Stone banks
Caves and cliffs once home to swiftlets
View of Hon La Port from the island
Barren island
