According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Vietnam, the birds’ return is a positive sign that habitat restoration efforts at the park have shown results.

Experts say migratory waterbirds such as pelicans are selective, requiring safe places to feed and rest. Suitable stopover sites need trees, grasslands, open areas, water bodies and sufficient food sources.

Previously, dense vegetation, particularly tall grasses, covered much of the open landscape at Tram Chim, making it difficult for birds to detect threats or take flight.

About a year ago, habitat restoration began with the clearing of vegetation and land tilling to open up visibility and create more suitable conditions.

The park has also created gently sloping ponds stocked with fish and shrimp to help birds feed, while raised mounds provide resting spots where they can rest and watch for predators. These improvements have helped attract more migratory species.

Alongside the spot-billed pelican, other rare species such as the painted stork and the black-headed ibis have also reappeared, with bird diversity at the park continuing to increase.

Dong Thap boosts conservation, ecotourism development at Tram Chim National Park

The Tram Chim National Park in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap, one of the few remaining inland wetlands of the former Dong Thap Muoi region, plays a vital role in conserving biodiversity and developing sustainable ecotourism.