LifespanUp to 10 years under human care
Quick Facts
DietSeeds, grains, berries, and invertebrates
HabitatLowland forests and hills
RangeHà Tĩnh Province, Vietnam
Vietnam Pheasants
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Teetering On Extinction
The Vietnam Pheasant is a critically endangered bird endemic to four provinces in north-central Vietnam. After going unreported for many years, it was rediscovered in 1996.
However, the lack of sightings of this bird in the wild since 2000 indicates that the species may be extinct in the wild or surviving in small, fragmented populations.
With around 1,000 pheasants under human care in zoos worldwide, including Singapore, these managed populations offer the best hope for the species’ survival.
Dazzling Males, Demure Females
Male Vietnam Pheasants showcase brilliant dark blue plumage with a lacy, scale-like pattern and bright red wattles. They also feature a short white crest, red feet with spurs, and an ivory beak. Striking blue-black tails and bluish-green wing coverts complete their vibrant appearance.
Females on the other hand, have more subdued chestnut brown plumage with grey tints on their head and neck. They lack the crest and have red skin around the eyes, reddish chestnut wings, and bluish-black tails.
Together, We Protect Wildlife
Hope For A Rare Species
We have supported the Viet Nature Conservation Centre’s conservation efforts for this elusive bird since 2019.
This includes the Vietnam Pheasant Action Plan, aimed at protecting remaining suitable habitats and ensuring best genetic resources for the long-term persistence of Vietnam pheasants.
Field studies with camera traps and the development of a conservation facility in Vietnam are underway to facilitate their eventual reintroduction.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Supporting Global Breeding
Three Vietnam Pheasants are housed at Bird Paradise as part of an international studbook.
This program ensures expert management of the species under human care, contributing to long-term conservation goals.
These efforts position the Vietnam Pheasant as a symbol of biodiversity conservation in Central Vietnam’s lowland forests.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
A New Generation
At Bird Paradise, we were elated when three pairs of the critically endangered Vietnam pheasant produced eight chicks between them.
As part of the IUCN One Plan Approach coordinated by our conservation arm Mandai Nature, we are arranging to repatriate the offspring back to Vietnam in the coming year to repopulate their home habitat.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Managed Species Programmes
We work with other zoos through Managed Species Programmes to help save threatened species.
This involves the transfer of animals between zoos for breeding so that genetically healthy animal populations can be maintained under human care.
Transfers are based on genetic compatibility, which prevents inbreeding and ensures their genetic integrity. Our Vietnam pheasants are part of this effort.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.
DD
Data Deficient
Unknown risk of extinction
LC
Least Concern
At relatively low risk of extinction
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to become vulnerable in the near future
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
EN
Endangered
At very high risk of extinction in the wild
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Survives only in captivity
EX
Extinct
No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity
