Beyond the caves: Vietnam's Phong Nha-Ke Bang opens new trail for birdwatchers

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has recorded 17 additional wild bird species, bringing the total number of species documented in the park to 353.

The newly recorded species were found across a range of habitats, from evergreen forests on limestone and soil mountains to rivers, wetlands and forest-grassland transition zones.

The discovery comes as Phong Nha-Ke Bang explores new ways to turn its rich biodiversity into nature-based tourism, including birdwatching.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang tests two birdwatching sites

The findings not only add to the park's biodiversity database but also point to opportunities to develop new nature-based tourism products around its forest ecosystems, the park management board said.

Birdwatching has been successfully developed at several national parks in Vietnam, but remains largely untapped in Quang Tri despite growing interest and favorable conditions.

A survey of visitors found that many were interested in wild birds and wanted opportunities to observe them in their natural habitats, particularly colorful species, the management board said.

Dinh Huy Tri, deputy director of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park management board, said researchers surveyed 13 routes as part of a provincial scientific research project on wild bird populations, collecting data on species, habitats, distribution and threats to bird populations.

The research team is also piloting two birdwatching sites, one at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and another at Dong Chau-Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve.

Birdwatching requires more than a good view

Tran Xuan Mui, a specialist at the Science and International Cooperation Division of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and a member of the research team, said birdwatching differs from conventional sightseeing and requires operators to understand each species' behavior, habitat and seasonal patterns.

Species with high conservation value or endemic species, such as the limestone leaf warbler and black-crowned fulvetta, could be particularly appealing to birdwatchers, Mui said. 

However, attempts to lure birds for visitors to see them could disrupt their natural behavior if not carried out properly.

"The most important thing is to allow visitors to observe birds in their natural habitats while minimizing disturbance. Extra care is needed for rare and endemic species," Mui said.

"We cannot disrupt their habitats or natural behavior simply to ensure visitors get a sighting".

Researchers said potential birdwatching sites must meet several criteria, including species diversity, the likelihood of sightings, habitat characteristics, accessibility and the level of human disturbance.

Setting up a birdwatching site, therefore, involves more than simply building an observation shelter and bringing visitors into the forest. 

The research team has developed a database and Geographic Information System (GIS) maps of bird distribution to identify areas with conservation value and potential for ecotourism.

The park management board said birdwatching tourism must be developed within a conservation framework. 

Areas of high ecological value will remain strictly protected, while suitable locations will be selected for visitor activities.