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Ba Na Nature Reserve 1996
Other species outside their normal ranges include;
• Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach). The 'dusky melanistic form' (King et al, 1975) was seen, a
range extension for this form, normally found in North Annam.
• White-vented Needletail (Hirundapus cochinchinensis (caudacutus)); seen only in the first two
days, these birds were probably migrants passing through the area to South Annam.
• Brown Hornbill (Anorrhinus tickelli). Large groups of hornbills were observed flying through
the forest canopy.
Two of the species identified, the Crested Argus Pheasant (Rheinardia ocellata) and the Brown
Hornbill (Anorrhinus tickelli), are included in the Red Data Book of Vietnam, Volume 1:
Animals (Phan Dong Vat, 1992).
The Crested Argus Pheasant (Rheinardia ocellata) was identified from its distinctive tail feathers,
regularly carried from the forest by various forestry workers and found in vegetation transect
FT2. This species is regarded as vulnerable on a global scale (Collar et al, 1994). It is known to
be present in and around Bach Ma National Park to the north of Ba Na, which may contain one of
the largest remaining populations of the species (Eames et al., 1992). Although this species may
still be relatively common in parts of its range in Vietnam, its presence in the reserve adds greatly
to the conservation value of the area.
The Brown Hornbill (Anorrhinus tickelli) was seen twice, on both occasions in large flocks. The
largest group was seen in the forest to the North of Ba Na, around FT5. This species is listed as
'Near Threatened' in Collar et al (1994). The flocks probably travel long distances searching for
food and therefore it seems likely that the existence of an unbroken forest canopy to the north and
West of the forest reserve at Ba Na is an important factor in their survival at this location.
The White-bellied Pigeon (Treron sieboldii), also listed as a near-threatened species by Collar et
al. (1994), was seen once feeding in the forest canopy well inside the reserve.
10.3 Conclusions
Bird diversity at Ba Na was relatively high, and species of national importance were present in
the reserve. The presence of Rheinhardia ocellata in particular emphasises the importance of
managing the reserve at Ba Na in cojunction with the surrounding forests, where it may still be
found. Both this species, and the hornbill species which were recorded are reliant on high quality
forested habitat and are vulnerable to poaching, and protection measures need to be strengthed to
prevent their decline.
Frontier- Vietnam Environment Research Report 7 29