Abstract
This study was conducted to identify and analyze the species composition and conservation-priority bird species across nine representative lagoon areas in the central coastal region of Vietnam. From May 2023 to February 2024, twelve field surveys were carried out using line-transect surveys, point counts, boat-based surveys, photography, audio recording, and interviews. A total of 259 bird species belonging to 19 orders and 66 families were recorded, including 39 species of high conservation value listed in the IUCN Red List, the Red Data Book of Vietnam, CITES, and Governmental Decrees. The species composition revealed that Passeriformes was the dominant order with 108 species (41.9%), followed by Charadriiformes with 54 species (20.9%) and Pelecaniformes with 16 species (6.1%). The findings highlight the essential role of the lagoon system in central Vietnam in conserving avian diversity, especially endangered and rare species. Based on these results, we recommend establishing protected areas and implementing long-term monitoring programs.