Hon Trung the ‘seabird sanctuary’ achieves a Vietnam record

Record certificate No. 3217/KLVN/2024 of the Vietnam Record Organization, signed on September 12, confirmed Hon Trung as the seabird sanctuary with the highest breeding density in Vietnam, with an average density of 4.88 eggs/m².

According to Nguyen Khac Pho, Director of Management Board, Con Dao National Park, the record recognition is acknowledgment and encouragement for nature lovers at home and abroad, contributing to raising awareness of the importance of environmental protection and biodiversity in the Con Dao area in particular. “The record recognition will motivate scientists, conservation organizations, and local communities to continue researching and better protecting Hon Trung seabird sanctuary,” said Pho.

Hon Trung is the farthest island to the northeast of the archipelago of Con Dao National Park. It is a small island with an area of ​​less than 2 ha and almost no vegetation, except for a few grasses scattered on the strangely shaped rocks stacked on top of each other.

Hon Trung is also known as the most important and largest seabird sanctuary in Southeast Asia, with an extremely high density of birds and bird nests. This feature highlights the importance of the island in conserving biodiversity and maintaining seabird populations in the area.

Con Dao National Park has recorded 5 species of migratory seabirds coming to Hon Trung isle to nest and lay eggs, including bridled tern, greater crested tern, brown booby, pacific swift, and brown noddy. They often nest all over the island and forage around it. During the day, they fly around looking for food on the sea surface, taking turns returning to Hon Trung to rest, nest, lay eggs, and take care of their young.

The average egg density at Hon Trung seabird sanctuary is 4.88 eggs/m². With the statistical area of ​​Hon Trung being 1.49 ha, equivalent to 14,900 m², currently on Hon Trung there are approximately 72,712 seabird eggs.

Hon Trung, together with Con Dao National Park, has been recognized as a Ramsar Site - an international title for wetlands of global importance and located on the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP). The successful conservation of Hon Trung and Con Dao National Park is not only important for Vietnam but it also contributes significantly to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection efforts in Southeast Asia and the world.