Current view: Text account
Site description (2002 baseline):
Site location and context
This IBA comprises Phong Dien proposed nature reserve, which is dominated by a ridge of low mountains extending south-east from the Annamite mountains. The proposed nature reserve, together with the contiguous Dakrong proposed nature reserve, supports the largest remaining area of lowland evergreen forest in the Annamese Lowlands Endemic Bird Area (EBA). Perhaps the species of greatest conservation importance at Phong Dien is Edwards's Pheasant. Until its rediscovery in 1996, this species was believed to be extinct in the wild. Edwards's Pheasant has a very restricted range in central Vietnam, but reports from hunters suggest that this species is still relatively common in the proposed nature reserve.
Rather little information is available about the population of Edwards's Pheasant Lophura edwardsi at Phong Dien but reports from hunters suggest that this species is still relatively common in the proposed nature reserve. Detailed information is also lacking on the status of other key species recorded at the site, such as Annam Partridge Arborophila merlini and Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler Jabouileia danjoui, although the 1998 BirdLife/FIPI survey confirmed that Crested Argus Rheinardia ocellata is still common. In February 2000, an Imperial Pheasant was captured in a forest area adjacent to Phong Dien proposed nature reserve. This globally threatened restricted-range species may also occur within the boundaries of the propsed nature reserve. For these reasons, Phong Dien proposed nature reserve can be considered a key site for the conservation of bird diversity in the Annamese Lowlands EBA.
Non-bird biodiversity: Two recently described mammal species, endemic to Indochina, occur at Phong Dien: Saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis and Giant Muntjac Megamuntiacus vuquangensis. Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta, Stump-tailed Macaque Macaca arctoides, Red-shanked Douc Langur Pygathrix nemaeus nemaeus and White-cheeked Crested Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys (given as Yellow-cheeked Gibbon Hylobates gabriellae in the report) are recorded at Phong Dien. Podocarpus nerifolius is also reported to occur at the site.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The main threats to biodiversity at Phong Dien are hunting (particularly through the use of snares); collection of firewood and other non-timber forest products (although sustainable leveles need assessment); illegal timber cutting (either for house construction or by loggers from outside the area); forest fires (caused by swidden cultivation, deliberate setting of fires to collect metal from bomb and shell casings, and spontaneous detonation of unexploded ordnance); and clearance of forest land for agriculture.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
BirdLife and FIPI have undertaken a number of biodiversity and socio-economic surveys in the area, and have drawn attention to the global significance of Phong Dien proposed nature reserve for a number of species of conservation importance. Thua Thien Hue Provincial FPD have undertaken some activities aimed at conserving the biodiversity of the site. With the support of the WWF Indochina Programme, they have implemented a conservation awareness programme focusing on Tiger and globally threatened pheasant species, part of which has involved raising awareness among local communities of the threat to biodiversity posed by hunting. Another aspect of this programme has involved working with local communities to remove snares and traps. Furthermore, the WWF Indochina Programme has provided training to strengthen the capacity of local FPD staff in biodiversity conservation and management.Currently, Le Trong Trai and Tran Quang Ngoc are conducting a study of the impacts of hunting on Edwards's Pheasant and other endemic galliformes at Phong Dien, with the support of the Rufford Small Grants Scheme of the Whitley Awards Foundation. The objective of this research is to formulate a strategy to control hunting.
In 1998, following the rediscovery of Edwards's Pheasant Lophura edwardsi at the site, Phong Dien was included on the 2010 list as a 33,900 ha reserve. The draft nature reserve investment plan prepared by BirdLife and FIPI, in close collaboration with the Thua Thien Hue Provincial FPD, proposes establishing a 41,548 ha reserve in Phong Dien and A Luoi districts.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Phong Dien (Vietnam). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/phong-dien-iba-vietnam on 23/12/2024.
