From its earliest days, the Con Dao National Park Management Board has prioritized the conservation and development of rare and valuable wildlife species—among them the Germain’s swiftlet (Collocalia germaini), a precious bird classified under Group IIB of Vietnam’s rare and endangered species list, limiting its exploitation and use.
The nest of this swiftlet, commonly known as bird’s nest, is a highly valued natural food-medicine famed for its restorative and health-enhancing properties.
A Rare Swiftlet Population in Con Dao
According to initial assessments, the swiftlet population within Con Dao National Park is relatively small, with an estimated 6,000 individuals living across 13 caves at eight sites, including Hon Bong Lan, Hon Tho, Hon Cau, Hon Tre Nho, Hon Tre Lon, Dam Tre Bay, Hon Bay Canh, and Mui Viet Minh.
Annual commercial harvests currently reach around 16 kg of bird’s nests.
All swiftlet caves in Con Dao face the East–Northeast direction. The birds typically nest twice a year, once before the Lunar New Year and again from mid-December until the Doan Ngo Festival (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month).
Since 1993, Con Dao National Park has been assigned to manage, protect, and responsibly harvest these caves. Depending on weather and climate conditions, productivity may fluctuate annually. Bird’s nests here are harvested twice per year—late April and late August.
Superior Quality with High Scientific Value
Analyses by INVIVO Labs Vietnam comparing the nutritional content of Con Dao swiftlet nests with nests from other regions revealed a remarkable finding:
18 out of 30 key nutritional components in Con Dao bird’s nests show higher concentrations.
This highlights the exceptional scientific, biological, medicinal, and economic value of the Con Dao swiftlet population.
Modern Conservation and Sustainable Development
Before 2011, Con Dao National Park primarily followed traditional methods of protection and harvesting. Recognizing the species’ economic and ecological potential—and with approval from the Ba Ria–Vung Tau Provincial People’s Committee—the Park partnered with Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company to establish the Con Dao Salanganes Nest Center.
Since then, significant progress has been achieved:
- Swiftlet caves have been upgraded and technically improved.
- Previously unused or abandoned caves were renovated to attract new swiftlet colonies.
- Harvesting and preliminary processing now follow strict technical standards, preventing breakage, mold, or moisture damage.
- 24/7 protection has helped eliminate predators and safeguard nests.
As a result, both the population size and overall nest quality have increased significantly compared to previous years.
A Long History with Limited Early Documentation
Local residents believe swiftlets have existed in Con Dao’s caves for generations. However, prior to 1975, swiftlet harvesting and data collection were minimal. It was not until the mid-1980s that the local government established the first official swiftlet harvesting station under the Con Dao District People’s Committee.
At that time, annual yields ranged from 20 kg to nearly 30 kg.
The current cooperative project between Con Dao National Park and Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company—focusing on conservation, restoration, and sustainable development—has delivered outstanding results. The swiftlet population has recovered and expanded, and the unique genetic line of the Con Dao swiftlet is being effectively preserved.
Towards a Signature Con Dao Product
The swiftlet population of Con Dao—one of the island’s most precious natural treasures—has been timely protected and strengthened. The National Park is now in the process of registering the official “Con Dao Swiftlet” brand.
This specialty is steadily taking shape, and in the near future, Con Dao swiftlets and their nests are expected to become a major economic resource, contributing meaningfully to the development of this important island district.
