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| Vietnamese crested argus, a species classified as critically endangered, has been recorded in the natural forests of Phong Dien Nature Reserve |
Results from species identification and camera-trap data analysis show that at least 51 wildlife species have been recorded across three sub-zones within the management area of Phong Dien Nature Reserve. Among them, the Vietnamese crested argus is classified as Critically Endangered (CR). Two species are listed as Endangered (EN), including the Annamite striped rabbit Nesolagus timminsi and the Owston’s palm civet Chrotogale owstoni. In addition, three species are categorized as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List, including the northern pig-tailed macaque Macaca leonina, the stump-tailed macaque Macaca arctoides, and the mainland serow Capricornis sumatraensis. Camera traps also documented the presence of other wildlife groups, including small mammals, rodents, birds…
Out of a total of 70 camera traps deployed across three monitoring sub-zones for wildlife in Phong Dien Nature Reserve, data analysis shows that Sub-zone 38 recorded the highest number of wildlife species, with 38 species, accounting for 74.51% of the total recorded species. It was followed by Sub-zone 33 with 36 species (70.59%), while Sub-zone 37 recorded the lowest diversity, with 35 species (68.63%).
Species such as the northern pig-tailed macaque Macaca leonina, stump-tailed macaque Macaca arctoides, Annamite striped rabbit Nesolagus timminsi, Owston’s palm civet Chrotogale owstoni, crab-eating mongoose Herpestes urva, masked palm civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, and Malayan porcupine Hystrix brachyura were all recorded across all three monitored sub-zones in Phong Dien Nature Reserve.
Meanwhile, the endangered Vietnamese crested argus Rheinardia ocellata was detected in two out of the three monitoring sub-zones. Notably, endangered species such as the Annamite striped rabbit Nesolagus timminsi and Owston’s palm civet Chrotogale owstoni were recorded in all three sub-zones.
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| Striped rabbit is listed as endangered species at Phong Dien Nature Reserve |
Phong Dien Nature Reserve covers a total area of 40,760.47 hectares, comprising 43 sub-zones located in Phong Dien Ward, A Luoi 1 Commune, and A Luoi 5 Commune. The reserve aims to protect, maintain, and develop the natural forest ecosystems of the lowland Central Annamite region. It plays a crucial role in the upstream protection forest system, helping to sustain water resources for important rivers in Hue City.
In addition, it contributes to the conservation of biodiversity, including populations of rare and endangered wildlife species, endemic species, and those currently under threat.
Recent field surveys have highlighted the biodiversity significance of Phong Dien Nature Reserve, with a recording of 75 mammal species, 208 bird species, 43 reptile and amphibian species, and 815 plant species. Many of these species are recognized by both international and Vietnamese conservation authorities as being at high risk of extinction and in need of protection.
As a result, the reserve is identified as a globally significant biodiversity hotspot, particularly due to its rich diversity of birds and mammals, and is considered a priority conservation corridor. It is also one of the last known habitats of the white-crested crested argus, following its rediscovery in 1996.
By Ba Tri. Photos: Phong Dien Nature Reserve