CONSERVATION OF WILD BIRDS AND NATURAL HABITATS AT ALLUVIAL PLAINS AND ISLETS IN THE RED RIVER, HANOI CITY

Alluvial plains and islets on the Red River under the administrative boundaries of Hanoi city can be considered one of the most important natural habitats in the Red River Delta. Commons at alluvial plains and islets are clusters of timbers, hardy sugar canes, common reeds, interlacing with creeks, canals which form diverse habitats for birds. These areas are feeding and wintering grounds for settled and migratory birds on the East Asian/Australasian Flyway.

From 2021 – 2024, Center for Nature for Conservation and Development (CCD) cooperated with partners in survey the inventory, threads and habitats of wild birds along the Red River’s alluvial plains and islets. In the search for possible conservation solutions, our team identified at least 232 species of birds, including 192 migratory birds, listed in endangered and critically endangered levels or equivalents in multiple indicators of the health of the biodiversity. Appearing to be among important bird areas in Northern Vietnam, our team frequently recorded illegal capturing and hunting wild birds, with most devastating methods being mist nets and playbacks of bird songs and calls, surging during migratory seasons (from the September to the next April). In addition, the invasion and destruction of grasslands, hardy sugar canes, common reeds to grow fruit trees such as bananas, apples, guavas, and other crops are seriously degrading the natural habitat of either wild birds or other wildlife.

In efforts to protect the important bird area in Hanoi, CCD has coordinated with the Hanoi Forest Protection Division and partners to monitor and disseminate related information to protect wildlife and natural habitats in the Red River’s alluvial plains, islets, as well as natural forests in Hanoi city. Among efforts to strengthen protection measures, CCD submitted proposal to Hanoi People’s Committee to establish wild bird sanctuaries and natural parks in the big alluvial plains and islets along the Red River to increase the conservation area and the green space for the city, while promoting educational activities for students and nature experiences for citizens at the capital.