Vision of an idyllic world where pheasants freely wander without disturbance

In a recent turn of events, Thaí Khać Thành, a man who was previously imprisoned for six years for illegally raising silver pheasants, now finds himself with a new opportunity. The silver pheasants, large birds under the Galliformes order, are characterized by red facial skin, red feet, and long, sleek tail feathers. Males have black feathers beneath a white-feathered coat, while females sport brownish-yellow plumage.

Thành's encounter with the law occurred in April when he was delivering 10 white pheasants to an online buyer. However, the silver pheasants, which are listed in Việt Nam's Red Book of Endangered Species, were becoming increasingly rare in the wild but are now found in their natural habitat in southern China and mountainous regions in Việt Nam. Activities such as hunting, killing, raising, keeping, trafficking, and buying or selling animals on the Endangered Species list are illegal.

Recently, Thành submitted a request to the Department of Animal Husbandry for the registration of his silver pheasants, inspections of their living conditions, and obtaining approval. This comes after the silver pheasants were reclassified from Severely Endangered Species to a less restrictive category after July 1.

Pháp Văn Thế, a preservation expert and lecturer at Văn Lang University in HCM City, advises that anyone who wants to experiment on protected species should obtain authorization and report to the Ministry of Science and Technology. Thành now faces a lighter penalty - a fine between VNĐ150 million and 200 million (US$6,000 and 8,000) - and is restricted from leaving his residence.

The silver pheasants prefer woodland habitats scattered with bamboo species growing along streams. Locals in Hồ Chí Minh City reported large stray birds to city forest rangers on August 18, which were later identified as silver pheasants and taken in for further care. Currently, HCM City Zoo and Botanical Gardens also keep silver pheasants in captivity.

The World Wide Fund for Nature states that a species is considered truly preserved only when it exists in its natural habitat without human interference. However, endangered species kept under authorized care have faced issues such as malnourishment and death. There have been suggestions for people like Thành to work in rescue centres to help improve conditions for their birds.

It is important to remember that violating laws protecting endangered flora and fauna species can result in a fine between VNĐ500 million (US$18,900) and VNĐ2 billion (US$81,300), or a prison sentence of one to five years. Elephant ivory from 2kg up to 20kg, and rhino horns between 50g and under 1kg, are also covered under these rules.

Thaì Khać Thành's wife and three small children were present when he was taken away. Now, Thành has a chance to make amends and contribute to the preservation of this beautiful and endangered species.