Red-headed cranes flock to national park

Tram Chim National Park in Tam Nong district of southern Dong Thap province has welcomed the return of some 35 red-headed (sarus) cranes, as floodwaters have receded since late January.
The cranes muster in areas of the 7,600-ha park where their favourite food, water chestnuts can be found.
Tram Chim now has up to a million individual birds.
The sarus crane, with an average weight of 7-15 kilos, is listed in the World Red Book of threatened species. Together with the cranes, Tram Chim Park is also home to more than 1,000 snail storks and about 700 painted storks, which are also rare birds.
As the natural environment in Tram Chim national park is improving after the flood season, more and more sarus cranes and other bird species will return to the park in the dry season.
The management board of the park has made strong efforts to preserve the natural ecosystem of the park and ensure the development of both botanical and animal species. Feeding grounds of the red-headed cranes are guarded day and night to prevent poaching.