|
Kiet Ngong Wetland (Bung Gnai Kiet Ngong) is among the most important wetlands in Lao PDR for aquatic and amphibious biodiversity because it is large, old and supports many different vegetation communities. Highlights of wetland bird species found here include: harriers, mixed Yellow Wagtails-Red-throated Pipits, Yellow-breasted Bunting ; Streaked Weavers; Purple Herons; egrets, Storkbilled Kingfisher; and several species of rallid, including White-browed Crake.
The total area of the wetland is 1,380 hectares with a total of thirteen villages depending on it for food (fish, eels, frogs, shrimp, clams and other natural products) and natural fodder for buffalo and cattle. The only comparable habitats in Lao PDR covering comparable or bigger areas known are Bung That Louang (Vientiane) and parts of the lower Xe Champon catchment (Savannakhet province). However, both have been largely converted to rice paddies.
The wetland can be enjoyed on a canoe trip or by walking around it by foot. Sites to visit are Don Lai and Don Kwang islands, which are designated areas for bird watching. Kiet Ngong Wetland is best accessed by visitors from Kiet Ngong Village
List of Bird Species Recorded at Kiet Ngong Wetland in 2008
(Adapted from Duckworth, J. W. 2008. A reconnaissance wildlife survey of the BCI pilot villages in the BCI Xe Pian–Dong Hua Sao corridor.)
Lesser Whistling-duck Dendrocygna javanica
Cotton Pygmy-goose Nettapus coromandelianus
Dabbling duck Anas A small duck (the size of Garganey A. querquedela)
Stork-billed Kingfisher Halcyon capensis
Crake sp(p). (Rallidae)
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
White-browed Crake Porzana cinerea
Watercock Gallicrex cinereaBung Gnai
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus
Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
Eastern' Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus spilonotus
Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Great Egret Casmerodius albus
Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Pond heron Ardeola sp(p).
Chinese Pond Heron A. bacchus
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis
Black-collared Starling Sturnus nigricollis
Vinous-breasted Starling Sturnus burmannicus
White-vented Myna Acridotheres cinereus
Rusty-rumped Warbler Locustella certhiola
Black-browed Reed Warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps
Oriental Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar
Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus
Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata
Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola
Oriental Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros albirostris
Wreathed Hornbill Aceros undulatus
Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri
Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis
Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata
Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
Grey-faced Tit Babbler Macronous kelleyi
Purple-throated Sunbird Nectarinia sperata
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala
|
