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Restoring the Lost Vietnam Pheasant to Central Vietnam’s Forests

Project Details:

Once abundant in the lowland evergreen forests of central Vietnam, the Vietnam pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) has not been confirmed in the wild for two decades and is now listed as Critically Endangered—possibly Extinct in the Wild. With fewer than 500 Vietnam Pheasants left in zoos worldwide, this species teeters on the edge of extinction. Led by the local NGO Viet Nature and ZSL, this project builds the final bridge between captive breeding efforts and reintroduction. It aims to release fit, predator-savvy pheasants into protected forest reserves in Quang Binh Province, reviving a flagship species and the unique ecosystem it once shaped.

In Partnership With

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is a global conservation charity dedicated to the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. It operates two leading conservation zoos, London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, and undertakes field conservation programs both in the UK and internationally.

Viet Nature Conservation Centre is a science and technology organization established under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA). Inheriting the intellectual property from BirdLife International, Viet Nature continues to build national leadership in the field of conservation in the country. Viet Nature’s works focus on: conservation action on the ground; biodiversity monitoring; linking biodiversity to human well-being and in the context of climate change; conservation science capacity building; and environmental awareness raising and education.

Why the Vietnam Pheasant Matters

The Vietnam pheasant is an umbrella species whose protection safeguards a host of lesser-known plants and animals that share its shrinking habitat. Its disappearance from the wild reflects the broader challenges of habitat loss and climate change in Vietnam’s forests. By reintroducing these birds to protected reserves, this project not only aims to save the pheasant but also to bolster the health of the entire ecosystem, benefiting countless other species that share its habitat.

Progress So Far

Viet Nature has secured 768 hectares of protected forest for potential releases, while the Rare Pheasant Breeding Centre’s (RPBC)’s first phase—complete with breeding aviaries and staff facilities—is already operational. Genetic research has strengthened the captive population, and best-practice guidelines ensure high standards for pheasant wellbeing, care, and management..

How the Species Reintroduction Fund is Helping

The Colossal Foundation’s funding will accelerate three mission-critical steps toward Vietnam pheasant recovery in 2025:

  • Translocation Planning – Hosting a workshop with global experts to finalize reintroduction plans, ensuring the first releases are a success.

  • Expansion of the Rare Pheasant Breeding Centre – Construction of a new aviary block to increase breeding capacity and rear wild-ready birds under naturalistic conditions.

  • Operational Support – Ensure quality nutrition, veterinary care, utilities, and on-site security to keep the breeding program running for the first cohorts to venture into open forest.