A new study reveals that more than a third of Vietnam’s 329 mammal species are at risk of extinction. Conducted by German researcher Hanna Höffner from the University of Cologne and Cologne Zoo, along with an international team, this research draws attention to Vietnam’s critical, yet vulnerable, role as a biodiversity center within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.
A new study reveals that more than a third of Vietnam’s 329 mammal species are at risk of extinction. Conducted by German researcher Hanna Höffner from the University of Cologne and Cologne Zoo, along with an international team, this research draws attention to Vietnam’s critical, yet vulnerable, role as a biodiversity center within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.
Published in the open-access journal Nature Conservation, the findings indicate that 112 mammal species in Vietnam are facing extinction, even though many are found in at least one protected area. Certain micro-endemic species, like Murina harpioloides, are especially at risk as they are not located in any safeguarded sites.
Approximately 40% of the threatened species do not have ex situ conservation (zoo breeding) programs, which elevates their extinction risk. Well-known species such as the saola (Pseudoryx vuquangensis), the silver-backed chevrotain (Tragulus versicolor), and the large-antlered muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis) are among the Critically Endangered groups that are vulnerable.
The research advocates for the IUCN’s “One Plan Approach” for species conservation. This approach encourages the integration of different expertise and combines in situ (in the natural habitat) and ex situ (in captivity) management strategies. Key recommendations for protecting Vietnam’s unique mammals include establishing assurance colonies in zoos and enhancing connectivity among isolated protected areas.
By developing ex situ populations for at-risk species, zoos can effectively “buy time” and serve as modern conservatories that may assist with future reintroductions in alignment with the IUCN’s “Reverse the Red” conservation initiative. Species data from ex situ populations, curated by Species360, are now integrated into the IUCN Red List species entries (part of the “One Plan” approach to species information).
Vietnam boasts a diverse range of mammals, including 36 species unique to the country and nine micro-endemic species. The primate diversity is particularly remarkable, featuring 28 species, the highest count in mainland Southeast Asia. This includes the endemic tonkin snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus avunculus) and Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri).
The northern region of Vietnam and the Annamite Mountain Range are significant biodiversity hotspots, home to species like the Critically Endangered Cao-vit gibbon (Nomascus nasutus), the southern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus siki), and the red-shanked douc (Pygathrix nemaeus).
The study calls for urgent attention to the “One Plan Approach” for the conservation of critically endangered species, reassessment of species with insufficient data, and the improvement of habitat connectivity. The conservation initiative VIETNAMAZING, led by EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), currently showcases Vietnam’s biodiversity treasures and pushes for better protection of its threatened mammal species.
