 |
| A forest musk deer captured on camera trap |
Vietnam, like many tropical countries, boasts a rich diversity of wildlife. Over the years, researchers have both discovered new species and rediscovered others previously thought to inhabit the region. A recent example comes from Fauna & Flora Vietnam, whose researchers captured striking images of the forest, or dwarf musk deer in Cao Bang province. This marked the first confirmed sighting in over two decades, following an initial recording of the species in another part of Vietnam in 2021, after four years of research. One of eight musk deer species found in Asia, the forest musk deer is heavily targeted by poachers for its scent glands, prized in the perfume industry. With fewer than fifty individuals believed to remain in Vietnam, the species faces ongoing threats from illegal poaching and habitat loss. In response, Fauna & Flora’s team will analyze the newly gathered data to assess the musk deer population in Cao Bang. They also plan to expand camera-trapping efforts to detect other rare species, such as the Asian black bear. Further evidence of wildlife in the region could bolster efforts to expand the nearby Eastern Black Crested Gibbon Species & Conservation Area, offering broader protection for endangered species.
 |
| A conservationist setting up a camera trap in Cao Bang province |
This recent discovery is not only exciting but also vital for conservation efforts. Vietnam faces ongoing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trafficking, all of which have severely impacted its native species. The country is home to a range of threatened wildlife, including critically endangered species such as the eastern black crested gibbon, douc langurs, Indochinese leopard, and the elusive saola. The forest musk deer, despite this confirmed sighting, remains at risk. Hopefully, this footage will serve as a catalyst for strengthening conservation initiatives and enhancing protections for Vietnam’s wildlife.
No comments:
Post a Comment