On May 24th, Mr. Dao Xuan Thuy, Director of the Chu Mom Ray National Park Management Board ( Quang Ngai province), announced that the unit had recently recorded several flocks of rare wild chickens in the natural forest. These individuals were discovered through camera traps and patrol activities by Chu Mom Ray National Park staff.
The species discovered in Chu Mom Ray National Park include the striped pheasant, the humpback junglefowl, the red-faced pheasant, and the crimson pheasant. Of these, the striped pheasant, the humpback junglefowl, and the red-faced pheasant belong to group IB, which includes endangered and rare forest animals strictly protected by law.
The crimson pheasant belongs to animal group IIB, which is a group of forest animals that are not yet threatened with extinction, but are at risk if not properly managed.
The crimson pheasant was discovered in Chu Mom Ray National Park.
"For species in group IB, simply engaging in illegal hunting or trapping can lead to criminal prosecution. The specific penalties will depend on the number of individuals, the severity of the violation, and the consequences. For some groups IIB, violators may face administrative penalties for illegal hunting. However, in cases of large-scale hunting, destructive hunting, or illegal trade, criminal liability may still be pursued according to the law," Mr. Thuy said.
According to the management board of Chu Mom Ray National Park, these rare chicken species mainly live in old-growth forests that still retain their pristine ecosystem, with dense canopy cover, high humidity, and minimal human impact. This is also a habitat rich in natural food sources such as forest seeds, insects, and various fruits.
Currently, the Chu Mom Ray National Park Management Board has installed 280 automatic cameras to monitor biodiversity. This system helps track and record images of animal species in their natural habitat, serving research and conservation efforts.
The striped pheasant, belonging to group IB, is found in Chu Mom Ray National Park.
According to statistics, Chu Mom Ray National Park currently records more than 1,000 animal species, including 112 endangered, rare, and precious species listed in Vietnamese and international conservation lists.
Covering an area of over 56,000 hectares, Chu Mom Ray National Park is considered a "green treasure" of the Central Highlands, home to 1,003 animal species and 1,895 plant species, including many rare species such as the golden shower tree, ebony, rosewood, mahogany, Trường Sơn muntjac, wild buffalo, gaur, red wolf, clouded leopard, Indochinese tiger, langur, peacock, peacock pheasant, and hornbill…
In 2004, Chu Mom Ray was recognized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an ASEAN Heritage Park, one of the region's most valuable nature reserves, making a significant contribution to the protection of biodiversity and the tropical forest ecosystem of Vietnam.