Over one-third of Vietnam’s mammals are at risk of extinction

Over one-third of Vietnam’s 329 mammal species are at risk of extinction. Though most are found in at least one protected area, a recent study published in the journal Nature Conservation conducted by Hanna Höffner of the University of Cologne and the Cologne Zoo suggests that some 112 species are at risk. Approximately 40% of those species lack a zoo conservation breeding program, which increases their extinction risk. Some iconic Vietnamese species like the saola (Pseudoryx vuquangensis), the silver-backed chevrotain (Tragulus versicolor), and the large-antlered muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis) are among the “critically endangered” taxa at risk. The study calls for the International Union of Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) “One Plan Approach.” This type of approach would establish mammal colonies in zoos and increase connectivity between isolated protected areas to help safeguard Vietnam’s unique mammal diversity. 

Read more at Nature Conservation.