Dong Thap, April 9 -- A flock of spot-billed pelicans (Pelecanus philippensis), a rare and endangered bird species, has reappeared in the Tram Chim National Park, the Mekong Delta of Dong Thap, after a six-year absence, local authorities said on April 8.

Doan Van Nhanh, Deputy Director of the park's Conservation Centre, said six pelicans were spotted in the strictly protected A1 zone, landing in the wetland area to forage for food.

The spot-billed pelican is listed in both the Vietnam Red Data Book and the IUCN Red List due to its declining global population. The species is recognisable by its grey legs, large body length of about 1.2-1.4 metres, webbed feet, and a long bill with a distinctive expandable throat pouch used to scoop fish....