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Male Croaking Gourami guarding its nest with hatching fries.
This species is released to the wild for the first time. photo: WAR |
(CPV) - To celebrate the International Day for Biodiversity (May 22nd), 30 children aged 12 to 15 years old from “I Love Nature Club”- Khan Quang Do magazine in Ho Chi Minh City on May 20 release native fishes to the wild and then visit Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station (WRS) to help Wildlife At Risk (WAR) staff prepare food and feed the wildlife.
Over 200 native Rasbora (Rasbora paviana), Fighting Fish (Betta splendens) and Croaking Gourami (Trichopsis vittata) are released to a tributary of Sai Gon River under Cau Den Bridge in District 2. The released native fish contributes to the biodiversity through repopulating native fish populations that are degrading in the city. These fishes have been bred in the programme titled “Breeding and release native fishes to the wild” that is partly supported by LIN (Center for Community Development).
After releasing the fishes, the children visit Cu Chi WRS where they prepare food and then feed rescued endangered wildlife. This is an opportunity for children to actually act to save endangered wildlife. Stories about origin and journey of each endangered animal before getting to Cu Chi WRS help the children to understand more about the illegal trade and consumption of wildlife throughout Vietnam. All the children committed to take actions to protect wildlife, including convincing other people to act also. Before leaving, the children have participated in various exciting games to learn more about wildlife and the significance of the International Day for Biodiversity 22nd May.
"Today, all the children do take actions to help wildlife and Vietnam’s biodiversity. We hope that everyone will also take practical action to save wildlife, not only on the occasion of the International Day for Biodiversity but every day through the year round", said Mrs. Do Thi Thanh Huyen, Wildlife Education Manager –WAR.
This activity to celebrate the International Day for Biodiversity is one activity of the programme titled “Take part in Nature Protection year 2012”, implemented by WAR and Khan Quang Do magazine. This year, the programme focuses on training the children aged 12-15 years old with persuading skills. When the children see any negative behaviour toward the nature and wildlife, they will come to talk, explain and persuade that person not to repeat that behaviour.
The programme also includes many other exciting activities such as discovering the nature, visiting wildlife farms, photo contest, writing skill training and exciting games.