The populations of birds and wild animals have surged in recent times in the U Minh Ha cajuput forest in Ca Mau, according to the province Sub-department of Forest Protection.

There are storks, egrets, cormorants, night herons, and many other species.

To protect the birds, the sub-department has carried out several measures, including preventing people from coming into close contact with them and providing them with food and water.

Several rare animals, including wild boars, weasels, pythons, and crocodiles, have also been spotted in increasing numbers.

Local forest rangers said, based on their tracks, wild boars probably numbered in the hundreds now after not being seen in the forest for many years.

Herds of animals had been seen looking for food along the sides of roads, they said.

Ca Mau has banned the hunting, transportation, and sale of rare wild animals since 2000.

Authorities have busted 77 cases of hunting and possession of animals and seized turtles, wild boars, deer, and cobras weighing more than a tonne. The animals were later released back into the forest.

The U Minh Ha cajuput forest spreads over more than 80,000ha in Tran Van Thoi, U Minh, and Thoi Binh districts.