Quang Tri steps up efforts to protect wild and migratory birds

In early September, as wild and migratory birds return to Hai Lang district’s flooded fields, hunters employ decoys and fake storks, along with “invisible” nets and loudspeakers to lure and catch the birds. To counter this, the Provincial People’s Committee has issued a directive urging various entities to implement Prime Ministerial Directive No. 04/CT-TTg from May 17, 2022, which outlines urgent measures for preserving wild and migratory birds in Vietnam.

Local authorities inspect a site full of bird traps at Hai Lang. Photo: T.L

Maze of traps

In the initial days of October 2023, persistent heavy rains inundated the fields along the DT 582B route that traverses Dien Sanh, Hai Que, and Hai Duong towns in Hai Lang District. These fields became a maze of intricately laid traps, strategically positioned by hunters to ensnare wild and migratory birds.

Venturing down a small road towards Phuoc Dien Village in Hai Dinh Commune, Hai Lang District, the reporter encountered C.D. operating a loudspeaker emitting fake sounds to attract flocks of birds circling above.

These birds were preparing to descend onto “invisible” nets positioned in the field. C.D. explained that becoming a bird hunter is relatively uncomplicated. Interested individuals only need to invest around VND12 million (US$490) to purchase “invisible” nets, sound speakers, and bird traps, all readily available online. Once ordered, these items are conveniently delivered to the buyer’s doorstep.

As farmers completed rice harvesting and heavy rains set in, creating flooded fields, bird hunters found the opportune time to commence their work. The chosen hunting grounds needed to attract various bird species, such as white storks, cauldrons, storks, waterfowl, and shy beaks, in significant numbers. After selecting an ideal location, hunters drove bamboo stakes into the ground to deploy the “invisible” net.

Bamboo stakes were evenly spaced along the field’s perimeter, approximately every 30 meters. Each bird hunter could install numerous bamboo poles, spreading nets tens to hundreds of meters in length. The net, positioned about 1.5 meters above the ground and 1-2 meters wide, remained loose to ensure effective bird capture. Once set up, the net became nearly imperceptible in the air, making it challenging for onlookers from a distance to detect.

With the net in place, hunters activated the loudspeaker, broadcasting flock calling sounds across the entire area. This auditory allure enticed various bird species into the net. To capture white storks, hunters employed foam decoys placed alongside bamboo sticks coated with super glue.

As flocks of white storks circled above, mistaking the decoys for their own kind, they descended to investigate, becoming ensnared in the trap. Alternatively, hunters utilized live decoy birds mounted on T-shaped wooden bars, their legs tethered to wire in the fields to trap other bird varieties.

Given the migratory bird season, hunters could capture dozens of white storks, cauldrons, storks, shy-billed storks, and waterfowl each day. These birds became sought-after “specialties” in certain restaurants, ensuring all captured birds were consumed. Prices for trapped bird species ranged from VND15,000-30,000 ($0.62-1.23) per bird, depending on size. Many hunters earned several million Vietnamese Dong per day from their activities.

Addressing illegal bird hunting

Le Quang Hien, Head of Hai Lang District Forest Ranger Department, reported that in certain low-lying areas such as Hai Phong, Hai Duong, Hai Que communes and Dien Sanh town, there has been an influx of wild migratory birds like storks and toucans seeking food and shelter around mid-September 2023.

To enhance the protection of these birds, the Department has recommended that the Hai Lang District People’s Committee of Hai Lang issue Official Dispatch No. 1323/UBND - TH dated September 22, 2023. This directive urges local authorities, departments, branches, and forest owners to intensify efforts in safeguarding wild and migratory birds. Actions include eight field inspections of bird traps, the signing of commitments with households to protect these birds, and the coordination of 78 rounds of awareness campaigns through loudspeaker systems.

Local rangers, in collaboration with the Commune Police and Military Command, have conducted on-site inspections of trapping activities. Notably, 14 fake storks were dismantled, 50 meters of nets, 10 imitation storks, and one sound generator were removed, and people were actively engaged in these efforts.

Between October 12-13, 2023, the Hai Lang District Forest Ranger Department collaborated with the People’s Committee of Hai Duong and Hai Que communes, mobilizing officials and civil servants for field inspections. This resulted in the dismantling and destruction of five nets (each measuring 30-40 meters), 34 imitation storks made of white foam, and 350 baited trap sticks with super glue.

Moving forward, the Hai Lang District Forest Ranger Department plans to continue implementing Official Dispatch No. 1323/UBND - TH and work closely with local authorities to propose further measures for protecting wild and migratory birds.

The Quang Tri Province People’s Committee has also issued Official Dispatch No. 5279/UBND - KT, dated October 12, 2023, to reinforce the implementation of Prime Ministerial Directive No. 04/CT-TTg, dated May 17, 2022.

This directive focuses on urgent measures for the conservation of wild and migratory birds in Vietnam. The content of the official dispatch urges all departments, branches, unions, and localities at various levels to instruct officials, civil servants, workers, and the public to refrain from engaging in activities such as hunting, catching, buying, selling, transporting, slaughtering, consuming, storing, and advertising illegal wild and migratory birds.

The law enforcement agencies are directed to enhance coordination and conduct regular inspections of restaurants, businesses, wild bird markets, key areas, and hubs involved in hunting, capturing, trading, and transporting wild and migratory birds. Strict actions are to be taken against any illegal activities related to hunting, shooting, trapping, capturing, slaughtering, transporting, trading, processing, and storing wild and migratory birds. Simultaneously, measures should be implemented to prevent diseases that may originate from wild and migratory birds, adhering to existing regulations.

While acknowledging that hunting wild and migratory birds may be a seasonal activity, the official communication emphasizes the escalating ecological and environmental consequences. The protection of wild and migratory birds is becoming increasingly vital as these species face a growing threat of endangerment.

In addition, the practice of hunting directly impacts the growth and development of various bird species, leading to ecological imbalances and the destruction of the environmental landscape.

In light of these concerns, the collaboration of both the public and authorities is deemed essential. The official dispatch calls for joint efforts to promote awareness and mobilize individuals to abstain from hunting, shooting, trapping, and catching wild and migratory birds. This collective action is imperative to ensure the sustained development of the ecosystem.

Ngoc Mai - Hoang Tien Sy