Lam Dong Enforces Protection of Wild Animals

Numerous rare and endangered species have been recorded

With its rich forest ecosystem, Lam Dong is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse provinces in the country, providing a home to many rare and endangered wildlife species.

According to statistics, Lam Dong is currently home to 156 rare and priority terrestrial vertebrate species in need of conservation. Of these, Bidoup – Nui Ba National Park accounts for 141 species, while the Cat Loc area hosts 52 species. Specifically, 71 species are listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book, and 83 species are classified under the global IUCN Red List criteria.

Under current legal regulations, Lam Dong Province has 114 forest animal species prioritized for protection under Decree No. 06/2019/ND-CP, including 32 species in Group IB and 81 species in Group IIB. In addition, 32 species are listed in Appendix I of Decree No. 64/2019/ND-CP.

In Cat Loc, population assessments have been conducted for several species, including gaur, black-shanked douc langur, and yellow-cheeked crested gibbon. The latter has an average density of 0.47 groups per square kilometer, with an estimated population of 57 groups, or approximately 228 individuals.

Currently, 32 endangered species under Decree No. 64/2019 are mainly distributed in natural forest areas such as Bidoup – Nui Ba National Park, Cat Tien National Park, Da Nhim Protection Forest, Dran Protection Forest, and areas managed by Don Duong Forestry Company. Particularly noteworthy is the striped rabbit—an extremely rare species—recorded in the Langbiang Biosphere Reserve with at least three individuals identified.

In the context of broader inter-regional research, the protected areas in Dak Nong and the former Binh Thuan Province showcase a diverse landscape rich in biodiversity, closely connected to the forest ecosystems of Lam Dong. Ta Dung National Park has identified 574 animal species, including 70 rare and endangered species. Similarly, in the protected regions of the former Binh Thuan Province, such as Nui Ong and Ta Kou, a variety of rare mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as species endemic to Vietnam, have been found and preserved.

Enhancing protection measures

According to Vo Van Minh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Lam Dong has identified wildlife protection as a key task in recent years. The province has intensified the dissemination of biodiversity conservation laws among authorities at all levels, sectors, and local communities. On average, more than 10 awareness- raising initiatives and training activities are organized annually through conferences, thematic sessions, media outreach, and environmental events.

With the coordinated involvement of authorities and the active participation of communities, Lam Dong continues to enhance the effectiveness of wildlife conservation, contributing to biodiversity preservation and the sustainable management of forest resources.