Kontum Plateau Endemic and Highlight bird

Kontum Plateau Endemic And Highlight Bird species like Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush and top birding routes while learning about conservation efforts in the region.

The Kontum Plateau spans various elevations, ranging from 500 to 2,000 meters above sea level. This variation in altitude provides the foundation for a wide array of habitats, from tropical lowland forests to montane and sub-montane ecosystems. It is this diversity of habitats that makes the Kontum Plateau a hotspot for biodiversity.

The montane and evergreen forests of the plateau support a rich diversity of bird species. The dense canopy, thick undergrowth, and forest floor provide ample feeding and nesting grounds for birds. The area is also home to several restricted-range and endemic species, making it a crucial region for ornithological research and birdwatching tourism. The cooler temperatures at higher altitudes, combined with frequent rainfall, create a microclimate that supports these species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

In addition to its rich birdlife, the Kontum Plateau is home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Endangered species such as the Grey-shanked Douc Langur and Annamese Langur are just two examples of the plateau’s critically important fauna. The region also supports a wealth of reptile species, including endemic lizards and snakes, further cementing the Kontum Plateau’s status as a biodiversity hotspot.

Section 2: Endemic Bird Species of Kontum Plateau

The Kontum Plateau is home to a range of endemic bird species that are of particular interest to birdwatchers. These species are found exclusively in the highlands of Vietnam and some surrounding areas, making them a major draw for birding enthusiasts.

Endemic Birds of Kontum Plateau:

1. Annam Prinia (Prinia rocki)
2. Black-crowned Fulvetta (Schoeniparus klossi)
3. Vietnamese Cutia (Cutia legalleni)
4. Collared Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron yersini)
5. Golden-winged Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron ngoclinhensis)
6. Gray-crowned Crocias (Laniellus langbianis)
7. Orange-breasted Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron auriventer)
8. Vietnamese Greenfinch (Chloris monguilloti)

These birds are often difficult to spot due to their preference for dense, forested habitats and their naturally elusive behavior. However, birdwatchers who visit the plateau can often hear their distinctive calls echoing through the trees, and with the right guidance and patience, these species can be spotted in their natural habitats.

Section 3: Highlight Birds of Kontum Plateau

In addition to the endemic species, the Kontum Plateau is home to several highlight bird species that birdwatchers should target. These birds, while not exclusive to the region, are rare and hold significant importance in birdwatching circles.

Highlight Birds of Kontum Plateau:

1. Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron germaini)
2. Red-vented Barbet (Psilopogon lagrandieri)
3. Indochinese Fulvetta (Fulvetta danisi)
4. Black-headed Parrotbill (Psittiparus margaritae)
5. Grey-faced Tit-Babbler (Macronus kelleyi)
6. Sooty Babbler (Stachyris herberti)
7. Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler (Napothera brevicaudata)
8. Black-crowned Barwing (Actinodura sodangorum)
9. Black-hooded Laughingthrush (Garrulax milleti)
10. White-cheeked Laughingthrush (Ianthocincla vassali)
11. Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)

Birdwatchers exploring the plateau will find these species in various parts of the forest, often alongside the endemic species, adding to the excitement of a birding expedition.

Section 4: Birding Routes and Trails on Kontum Plateau

The Kontum Plateau offers several key birding locations, with each area providing a unique set of species and habitats for birdwatchers to explore.

1. Mang Den

Mang Den is one of the most popular birdwatching destinations on the Kontum Plateau. It is known for its rich pine forests and cooler climate, providing a perfect habitat for many of the plateau’s endemic and highlight birds. The area is accessible by road, and birdwatchers can expect to encounter species such as the Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush, Vietnamese Greenfinch, and Golden-winged Laughingthrush. The pine forests also provide excellent habitats for mammals and reptiles, making Mang Den a great spot for those interested in both birding and herping.

2. Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve

Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve is the heart of birdwatching on the Kontum Plateau. This protected area is one of the last strongholds for the Golden-winged Laughingthrush and Red-tailed Laughingthrush, both of which are incredibly rare and endemic to this region. The dense montane forests of Ngoc Linh are home to over 80% of the herpetofauna species endemic to Central and South Vietnam, making it a dual paradise for birdwatchers and herpetologists. Although the terrain is steep and challenging, the rewards are well worth the effort.

3. Kon Ka Kinh National Park

Kon Ka Kinh National Park is another excellent location for birdwatching on the Kontum Plateau. Its montane forests and varied habitats support species such as the Black-crowned Barwing, Chestnut-eared Laughingthrush, and the Golden-winged Laughingthrush. The park’s well-maintained birding trails make it easier for visitors to explore the region, while its high elevations provide opportunities to spot species that thrive in cooler, montane climates.

4. Dak To District

This district offers more remote birdwatching opportunities, with fewer tourists and more pristine forest environments. The birding trails here are less traveled but offer sightings of species such as the Vietnamese Cutia, Black-crowned Fulvetta, and Indochinese Wren-babbler. The rugged terrain and challenging hikes make this a destination for more experienced birdwatchers.

Section 5: Birdwatching Checklist for Kontum Plateau

For birdwatchers visiting the Kontum Plateau, keeping a checklist is an essential part of the experience. With such a rich variety of species, both endemic and near-endemic, a checklist allows birdwatchers to document their sightings and track the species they’ve encountered. Below is a sample birdwatching checklist for the Kontum Plateau:

Birdwatchers should also be prepared to spot other species along their journey, including seasonal migrants and additional resident birds that frequent the plateau. Using a checklist allows for a more structured birdwatching experience, helping enthusiasts keep track of the unique species they encounter.

Conservation and Threats

While the Kontum Plateau is a haven for biodiversity, it faces significant conservation challenges. Habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and illegal logging is the most pressing issue in the region. Many of the plateau’s forests have been fragmented, reducing the available habitat for endemic and near-endemic bird species. The loss of these critical habitats has led to declines in bird populations, particularly for species that rely on specific forest types or elevations.

In addition to habitat loss, poaching and hunting pose threats to both birds and larger mammals in the region. Although conservation efforts are in place, more work is needed to protect the plateau’s unique species from further decline. The establishment of protected areas such as Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve has been a positive step, but stronger enforcement of wildlife protection laws and more sustainable land-use practices are required to secure the future of this biodiverse region.

The role of eco-tourism, particularly birdwatching tours, is crucial in raising awareness about the importance of preserving the Kontum Plateau’s biodiversity. Birdwatching tours not only provide economic benefits to local communities but also encourage the protection of natural habitats by showcasing the unique wildlife that calls this region home.

Conclusion: Exploring the Avian Diversity of Kontum Plateau

The Kontum Plateau offers a unique and unforgettable birdwatching experience. With its rich diversity of endemic and highlight species, the plateau draws birdwatchers from across the globe, eager to spot some of Vietnam’s rarest birds. Whether you are hiking through the cool pine forests of Mang Den or trekking the rugged slopes of Ngoc Linh, the opportunities for birdwatching are unparalleled.

Birdwatchers can contribute to the conservation of this incredible region by supporting eco-tourism efforts, practicing responsible birding, and raising awareness about the threats facing the plateau’s wildlife. By working together to protect this biodiversity hotspot, we can ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the remarkable avian wonders of the Kontum Plateau.

For those interested in guided birdwatching tours, WANEE Go-WILD offers expert-led tours to Kontum Plateau’s prime birdwatching locations. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a first-time visitor, the plateau promises an exciting and rewarding wildlife adventure.

Reference

• BirdLife International and Handbook of the Birds of the World (2016) Bird species distribution maps of the world. Version 6.0. Available at https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/requestdis https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/requestdis [Species records]
• BirdLife International and NatureServe (2011) Bird species distribution maps of the world. BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK and NatureServe, Arlington, USA. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/requestdis [Distribution]
• Clements, J. F., P. C. Rasmussen, T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, T. A. Fredericks, J. A. Gerbracht, D. Lepage, A. Spencer, S. M. Billerman, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2023. The eBird/Clements checklist of Birds of the World: v2023. Downloaded from https://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/ https://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/ [Taxonomy]
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 2011-2018. eBird. http://www.ebird.org/ [Species records]
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 2011-2018. eBird Basic Dataset (EBD) http://www.ebird.org/ [Species records]
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 2011-2018. eBird (sensitive species records). http://www.ebird.org/ [Species records]
• Xeno-canto.org https://xeno-canto.org [Species records]