Egg Island - A strictly protected bird sanctuary in Con Dao

Located about 20 km from Con Son Island, with an area of less than 2 hectares, Hon Trung looks like an egg from afar with a simple appearance of only rocks and birds, no large trees. However, hidden in this small island is a

Located about 20 km from Con Son Island, with an area of less than 2 hectares, Hon Trung looks like an egg from afar, with a simple appearance of only rocks and birds, no large trees. However, hidden in this small island is a "bird sanctuary" with the highest natural breeding density in Vietnam.

Hon Trung is located in Con Dao National Park, a

Hon Trung is located in Con Dao National Park, a "forbidden" area for tourists but a paradise for birds. Ngo Tran Hai An is a rare photographer who recently set foot on Hon Trung to take photos of the nature here with the accompaniment of national park staff. His movement and photography process were all supervised because all activities on the island must strictly comply with conservation regulations.

Hon Trung stands out with its wild and majestic nature and is especially home to more than 80 different bird species. Of which, swallows are the most populous species.

The breeding density is up to 4.88 eggs/m², with more than 72,000 eggs being hatched - a rare number in the whole Southeast Asia region.

Hon Trung serves as an important stopover for migratory birds on their flight route across the East Sea, and is also a breeding and feeding ground for many native bird species. Its strict conservation contributes to maintaining the ecological balance of Con Dao's waters as well as providing important significance in scientific research on the adaptation and evolution of species in isolated island environments.

Currently, Hon Trung has recorded a number of migratory seabird species coming to nest and breed such as: Black-backed Tern, Great-crested Tern, Grey-headed Tern, White-bellied Madgebird, White-rumped Swiftlet, Pink Tern...

Currently, Hon Trung has recorded a number of migratory seabird species coming to nest and breed such as: Black-backed Tern, Large-crested Tern, Grey-headed Tern, White-bellied Madthrush, White-rumped Swiftlet, Pink Tern...

Large crested terns leisurely bask in the sun on Egg Island. Crested terns are a type of seabird in the gull family, with a very distinctive black crest.

Large crested terns leisurely bask in the sun on Egg Island. Crested terns are a type of seabird in the Gull family, with a distinctive black crest, wings, and white belly.

The white-bellied booby has distinctive blue eyes and legs.

Although the rangers of Con Dao National Park are always on duty to provide special protection, Hon Trung has been attacked, with eggs and birds stolen. Currently, thanks to the security camera system, any acts of environmental encroachment on Hon Trung are easily detected.

From afar, the island looks like a giant egg, its surface covered in white with the color of adult birds, baby birds, egg nests and bird droppings.

Photographer Ngo Tran Hai An shared: “Today, the protection of Hon Trung is carried out very strictly: The island has 24/7 surveillance cameras installed, controlling all activities and ecological developments. All illegal activities are strictly prohibited. No tourism or sightseeing activities are allowed. The Con Dao National Park Management Board has built a very methodical and thorough protection process to ensure absolute safety for this fragile ecosystem.”

Swallows fly all over the sky around Hon Trung - a rare natural beauty. Through the photo series, Mr. Hai An hopes to convey the message: Hon Trung is a testament to the diverse nature that needs to be preserved and is a source of pride for Vietnam. Loving nature does not require exploring at all costs, let's cherish and protect it for future generations.