Hon Trung sets a new record in Vietnam

According to certificate number 3217/KLVN/2024 issued by the Vietnam Record Organization on September 12, Hon Trung is officially recognized as the seabird sanctuary with the highest reproductive density in Vietnam, with an average density of 4.88 eggs per square meter

The establishment of this record by the Vietnam Record Organization for Hon Trung - Con Dao National Park.

Mr. Nguyen Khac Pho, Director of the Management Board of Con Dao National Park, stated that the recognition of this record is a acknowledgement and encouragement for nature lovers both within and outside of Vietnam, contributing to raising awareness about the importance of environmental and biodiversity protection in the Hon Trung area, specifically in Con Dao..

Hon Trung is renowned as the largest seabird sanctuary in Southeast Asia.

"The recognition of this record will provide motivation for scientists, conservation organizations, and local communities to continue researching and protecting the seabird sanctuary of Hon Trung," Mr. Pho shared

Hon Trung is the furthest island located in the northeast, within the archipelago of Con Dao National Park. With a small area of less than 2 hectares, Hon Trung is mostly devoid of any plant species, except for scattered patches of grass on rock formations that are stacked on top of each other, creating a peculiar sight.

Hon Trung is also referred to as an important and largest seabird sanctuary in Southeast Asia, with an extremely high bird and nest density. This characteristic highlights the significance of the island in conserving biodiversity and maintaining seabird populations in the region.

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)

Con Dao National Park has recorded 5 migratory seabird species nesting and laying eggs on Hon Trung Island, including Bridled tern (Onychoprion anaethetus), Crested Tern (Thalasseus bernsteini), Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster), Pacific Swift (Apus pacificus), Brown Noddy (Anous stoliduslà). They typically nest throughout the island and forage in the surrounding areas. During the day, they soar above the sea to find food, taking turns to rest, build nests, lay eggs, and care for their young on Hon Trung Island.

The average egg density in the seabird sanctuary of Hon Trung is 4.88 eggs per square meter. With a recorded area of 1.49 hectares, equivalent to 14,900 square meters, it means there are approximately 72,712 seabird eggs on Hon Trung.

The egg and bird density at Hon Trung is considered to be the highest in the Southeast Asia region.

Hon Trung, along with Con Dao National Park, is recognized as a RAMSAR Site - an international designation for globally important wetland areas and part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAFP) for migratory birds.

The successful conservation of Hon Trung and Con Dao National Park is not only significant for Vietnam but also makes a substantial contribution to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection efforts in Southeast Asia and globally.

Young birds - Brown Booby

Translated by Xuan Da