Lao Cai releases series of rare wildlife species back into the forest

Hoang Lien National Park in Lao Cai recently held a release event for 57 wild animals from 18 species, returning them to their natural habitat after a period of rescue, care, and successful conservation at the Hoang Lien Wildlife Tourism and Conservation Center.

The activity aims to help restore wild populations of these species while contributing to biodiversity conservation in Lao Cai province.

Of the animals released, 41 were wild animals that had been rescued, and 16 were amphibians bred and conserved at the Hoang Lien Wildlife Tourism and Conservation Center in Lao Cai. Several rare species were returned to their natural habitat, including the stump-tailed macaque, rhesus macaque, pig-tailed macaque, small-toothed palm civet, pygmy slow loris, Bengal slow loris, Burmese python, big-headed turtle, Indochinese box turtle, crested serpent eagle, brown wood owl, and mountain hawk-eagle, along with six amphibian species: Himalayan toad, Boulenger's spiny-breasted frog, green cascade frog, Indraneil's pygmy frog, Anderson's crocodile newt, and white-lipped tree frog.

Before being released into the forest, all animals underwent health checks and adaptability assessments to ensure they were free of infectious disease, had no permanent injuries, and were capable of feeding themselves, defending themselves, reproducing, and integrating with wild populations.

To improve survival rates after release, Hoang Lien National Park conducted a thorough survey of local habitats and selected five sites suited to the biological behavior of each species. These areas have high forest cover, clean water sources, abundant natural food, plentiful shelter, are located far from residential areas, and are regularly patrolled and protected by forest rangers.

The transport and release process followed strict professional protocols. Each animal was transported in cages or specialized equipment to minimize stress and injury. At the release site, the animals were allowed to settle before the cage doors were opened toward the forest, allowing them to return to their natural habitat on their own.

Following release, forest rangers will monitor the animals continuously for the first three days, then conduct weekly checks over 15 days to assess how well the animals are adapting. At the same time, patrol and control efforts are being stepped up to prevent illegal hunting and trapping, helping the animals reintegrate into the wild more quickly.

Beyond returning the animals to their natural habitat, this release by Hoang Lien National Park also helps preserve genetic resources and maintain ecosystem balance and biodiversity.

This marks the fourth wildlife release organized by Hoang Lien National Park since the start of the year, and the largest in terms of the number of animals released. The activity not only helps restore populations of these species, particularly rare ones, but also preserves wild animal genetic resources, raises public awareness about forest resource protection, and helps maintain ecosystem balance.