Nine novel bird species uncovered within Đakrông Nature Reserve

The Đakrông Nature Reserve, located in the central province of Quảng Trị, has made a significant breakthrough in biodiversity monitoring. A recent survey conducted by the Nam Quảng Trị Special-Use Forest Management Board, in collaboration with scientists from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, has revealed the presence of nine new bird species in the reserve.

The Đakrông Nature Reserve is a rich biodiversity hotspot, home to 1,576 plant species, 97 mammal species, 201 bird species, and 49 reptile and amphibian species. The newly discovered bird species include the Bách thanh đuôi dài (Lanius schach), Cành cạch núi (Ixos mcclellandii), Chào mào tai trắng (Pycnonotus taivanus), Chích chòe than (Oriental Magpie-Robin), Chim xanh lớn (Chloropsis cochinchinensis), Dù dì phương Đông (Ketupa zeylonensis orientalis), Họa mi đất mày trắng (White-browed Scimitar Babbler), Nhạn rừng trán trắng (Artamus superciliosus), and Yểng (Gracula religiosa).

Among these newly recorded species, Ketupa zeylonensis orientalis and Gracula religiosa are classified as rare species, adding to the importance of these discoveries. A specimen of Dù dì phương Đông was even captured during the survey.

The Đakrông Nature Reserve is part of the Central Trường Sơn forest ecosystem and is one of Việt Nam's four endemic bird areas. Many of the species found in the reserve are listed in the Việt Nam Red Data Book and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, emphasising the need for conservation efforts.

The newly recorded bird species play an important role in maintaining ecological balance in the forests. The expansion of the biodiversity database at the Đakrông Nature Reserve provides an important basis for developing conservation, restoration, and sustainable management strategies for the special-use forest ecosystem.

The application of science and technology in biodiversity monitoring at the Đakrông Nature Reserve has been effective, with the survey being carried out through camera trapping and digital photography. The survey did not provide further information about the newly recorded species or the methodology used.

The discovery of these nine new bird species in the Đakrông Nature Reserve is a significant step forward in understanding and preserving Vietnam's rich biodiversity. Further research and conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival and continued study of these rare and fascinating species.