WWF - Publications for the Greater Annamites Ecoregion

MOSAIC reports, 2006

2006-05-30

Ecoregional conservation in a priority landscape in Vietnam
- by Nigel Dudley, May 2006

An assessment of the WWF MOSAIC project in Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam

The Management of Strategic Areas for Integrated Conservation (MOSAIC) project in Quang Nam, Vietnam has since 2002 been working in one of seven provinces in the Central Truong Son, a priority conservation landscape identified by WWF in the Greater Truong Son ecoregion. The project is extending its work to other (and eventually all) provinces in the conservation landscape. This assessment was commissioned to help plan the extension and to gather lessons from five years of implementation. Hopefully it will also be useful in other parts of the world where WWF and its partners are attempting to implement ecoregional conservation.

Gaur (Bos gaurus) and Banteng (Bos javanicus)

2005-09-01

Gaur Bos gaurus
This peculiar hump-backed bovid roams the forests and grasslands of Southeast Asia.

A vegetarian with a huge body weight supported by incredibly slim white legs, this large dark-coloured mammal is distinct from the banteng in that it has no white rump patch.

Banteng Bos Javanicus

Looking suspiciously like domestic cattle, both in colour and build, the handsome banteng used to be widespread throughout Southeast Asia.

These wild cattle are very shy and retiring, and due to their wariness they are hard to approach.

The dorsal ridge seen in gaur is less pronounced in banteng with only the older bulls having a marked ridge.

Banteng have white bands and patches on their bodies, including white stockings, and a distinct white rump.

Development and conservation initiatives in the Greater Annamites

2005-09-01

Working at all levels from grassroots to central government levels, and including support from local, national, international and multinational agencies, a broad range of initiatives policies, programmes and projects are working in the Greater Annamites.

Annamites trees: Keteleeria evelyniana, Fokienia hodginsii

2005-09-01

Keteleeria evelyniana is found in moist evergreen and dry evergreen hill forests, conifer and mixed semi-evergreen forests at elevations between 700-3000m, but mostly between 1000-2000m.

In Lao PDR and Vietnam, this species has very specific habitat requirements, being found only on well drained ridges gentle slopes, and flat areas at high elevations.

The open conifer forest in montane areas of northern Lao PDR is dominated by K. evelyniana, which may occur in pure stands or mixed with Pinus kesiya and species of Fagaceae.

In Vu Quang Nature Reserve, in the Vietnamese northern Annamites, only eight mature trees are known to exist.

Humid montane forests between 600-2,200m may support a rich forest dominated by Fokienia hodginsii amongst other key species.

F. hodginsii is widespread in mixed broadleaf and coniferous forest on ridges and slopes, and may also form pure stands on ridges and plateaus above 1,200m such as in Kon Ka Kinh National Park.

The diversity of conifers is high in montane forests, with several genera present (e.g. Podocarpus, Calocedrus, Fokienia, Cephalotaxus, and Taxus) in the southern Annamites.

Introducing the crested argus (Rheinardia ocellata)...

2005-09-01

Found only in Vietnam, Lao PDR, and a small population in Peninsular Malaysia, this large pheasant is distinguished by its huge tail feathers, which are up to 15cm wide and almost two metres long in adult males.

When spread, the tail feathers display a beautiful and complicated pattern of chestnut and almost white, eye-shaped spots on a grey background.

Introducing the douc (Pygathrix nemaeus, Pygathrix nigripes, Pygathrix cinereus)...

2005-09-01

There are three species of "Doucs": red-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix nemaeus), black-shanked douc langur (P. nigripes) and grey-shanked douc langur (P. cinerea).

The three species of douc are endemic to Indochina (Vietnam, Lao PDR and Cambodia), which means that they are found nowhere else on earth.

Population sizes are not yet known, but it is believed there are just a few thousand left in the wild.

Doucs represent a significant contribution to the outstanding biodiversity value of the Greater Annamites and are a globally significant species.

Introducing the Indo-Chinese tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti)...

2005-09-01

The Indo-Chinese tiger is arguably the most widely known inhabitant of the Greater Annamites and Lower Mekong Dry Forests ecoregions and is one of the most endangered large mammals in the world.

Indo-Chinese tigers range from eastern Myanmar through Thailand, Lao PDR and Cambodia to Vietnam.

In 1993 an estimated 500 were found in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam, and 500-1,000 in Thailand, Myanmar and Peninsular Malaysia.

Introducing the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus annamitcus)...

2005-09-01

Only two populations are known to exist; the largest group of 50-60 animals resides in Ujong Kulon National Park in
Java, Indonesia.

For a long time local villagers and Vietnamese scientists knew there was something special about the large mammals in Cat Tien National Park, in the southern Annamites, but it was only in 1988 that the presence of the Javan
rhinoceros was confirmed by international scientists.

Current estimates of the population in Vietnam range between 3 and 8 individuals. Although the two groups
are the same species, scientists believe the populations belong to different and distinct sub-species so some suggest that they should not be crossbred. Very little
is known about Javan rhinos, especially those in Vietnam.

Introducing the saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis)...

2005-09-01

The discovery of the long-horned bovid was a globally significant event in the history of science, as during the last 100 years only five new species of large mammals were discovered around the world before the saola.

The saola was first identified by its horns during a joint survey by the Vietnamese Ministry of Forestry and WWF in Vu Quang Nature Reserve in central Vietnam in 1992.

Reports and surveys have since confirmed the saola's presence in four provinces in Lao PDR and in six provinces in Vietnam.

The saola has its own genus within the family Bovidae. It is believed that the saola is a relic species that, along with its habitat, was squeezed into its present small range by climatic changes during and following the last Ice Age.

While photo traps have recorded the animal, it remains elusive - no scientist has seen a living saola in the wild. As a result population estimates vary widely, from between 70-700 individuals.

Introducing the Greater Truong Son Conservation Action Plan

2005-09-01

The mountain slopes and foothills along the LaoPDR-Vietnam border are home to some of themost endangered species on earth.

For many of these species, their loss from this region would
mean their loss forever. It is for this reason that the Greater Annamites was recognised as one of the "Global 200" Ecoregions of highest international conservation priority.

The Greater Annamite Mountains comprise the Truong Son in Vietnam and the contiguous Saiphou Louang in Lao PDR.
The region's international importance for biodiversity conservation is directly linked to its value to the economies of Vietnam and Lao PDR.

The ecosystem services the area provides in its natural state in the form of climate moderation, erosion control and generation of clean water are a critical, irreplaceable component of the resourcebased economies of two nations.

The area is also important to the welfare of the wider region
because some of the most important tributaries of the Mekong River arise in and flow through the Greater Annamites. The condition of the Annamites watershed affects the livelihoods of millions who depend on fishing and farming downstream.

The Vietnamese section of the ecoregion, Truong Son, is both the most extensive and also the most diverse. The mountain influence on the monsoons gives the Vietnamese section both the wettest and the driest climate in the Greater Annamites.

The majority of the wettest evergreen forest occurs within Vietnam as do most of the highest peaks. The highest degree of endemism is found on the eastern flanks of
the mountains, however its forest and river ecosystems are the most seriously degraded and fragmented in the ecoregion and are now represented in relatively small patches.

Introducing the Central Truong Son Initiative

2005-09-01

From its charismatic endemic species such as the stunning douc langur and the remarkable saola, to some of the
world's most endangered species like the Asian elephant, Indochinese tiger, and Javan rhinoceros, the Greater
Annamites is a region of global significance.

The central Truong Son landscape is the critical centre-pin for successful conservation of the Greater Annamites as it has characteristics of a transition zone between temperate
and tropical systems, and has a unique biodiversity value both within the Greater Annamites and globally. The central Truong Son (CTS) is situated in central Vietnam
and southern Laos PDR and is based around the central massif of the Truong Son mountain chain.

The Greater Annamites Ecoregion Brochure

2005-09-01

Distinctly distinctive...
During the last ice age a 'refuge' of evergreen forest survived in the Annamites and many species evolved in isolation. As a result, the Annamites now have a high number of endemic species.

The rest of Asia did not experience such conditions, making the Annamites a distinctive habitat.

Incredibly diverse...
Just one of the nature reserves in the Greater Annamites contains more plant species than the whole of the United Kingdom!

An inspiration to many artists in Vietnam and Lao PDR including the famous Vietnamese poet Pham Tien Duat.

A central part of the region's cultural history...
...harbouring the legendary network of trails famously known as the Ho Chi Minh trail used by troops during the American/Vietnam war.

A hotspot of bio-cultural diversity...
Over 70 different ethnic groups, many with their own language, call the Annamites home. Some groups have lived in these forests for thousands of years. Xin Chao! Sabadee! ooa chau! xi pau!

Nature's medicine cabinet...
Many of the medicines used by the western world today are derived from forest products. People living in the Annamites often still rely on forest products directly to cure a whole range of ailments.

MOSAIC reports, 2004-2005

2005-08-30

Developing stregthened natural resource law enforcement in Quang Nam province
- Barney Long, Huynh Van Thuong and Thai Truyen

WWF Indochina and Quang Nam Forest Protection Department

The 5 year objective of this plan is to reduce unsustainable exploitation and illegal activities related to forest and freshwater resources to sustainable levels enabling protection, maintenance and restoration of biodiversity, economic, social and cultural values throughout Quang Nam. The process of developing the action plan, and implementing strengthening actions was led by the Quang Nam Forest Protection Department.

MOSAIC reports, 2004-2005

2005-08-30

Biodiversity and Natural Resource Law Enforcement Action Plan (2005-2010)
Forest and freshwater systems are a critical component of the livelihood of the majority of Quang Nam's population. As the province develops into an industrial province this importance is increasing further as it depends more and more on forests to provide a stable environment and freshwater for its irrigation and electricity supply.

Moreover, the biodiversity of Quang Nam's forests and freshwater systems is of global importance and of irreplaceable national importance for culture, natural heritage and education. Threats to natural systems and biodiversity are currently very large and unsustainable. If natural systems are to be beneficial and not destructive to Quang Nam, a major increase in the effectiveness of enforcement is required.

The implementation of this action plan is therefore integral to the sustainable development of Quang Nam and will represent a major step towards the targets of the Quang Nam Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation Strategy 2005-2015.

MOSAIC reports, 2004-2005

2005-08-30

Educating the World - Thu Bon River Clean-up Week, Hoi An, 13-18 September 2005

New Century Tourism and Hospitality Company

Quang Nam Department of Environment and Natural Resources

The Thu Bon River Clean-up Week was coordinated by the New Century Tourism and Hospitality Company and Quang Nam Department of Natural Resources and Environment from 13-18 September 2005 under the project entitled "Educating the World" through the Russell E. Train Workshop Grant. Through technical and logistical support of the WWF MOSAIC project, PanNature was contracted to assist the New Century Tourism and Hospitality Company to carry out workshop facilitation, environment and communication training, and event coordination.

MOSAIC reports, 2004-2005

2005-08-30

Quang Nam Conservation Education Plan, 2005-2010
The biodiversity of Quang Nam is of high national and global importance having some species unique to the Truong Son Mountains as well as species of cultural importance in Vietnam. Rampant hunting and illegal logging is threatening this biodiversity. An awareness of the importance of this situation needs to be fostered in all citizens of the province.

Forest and freshwater resources are vital to the maintenance and development of the socio-economic conditions of the rural communities of Quang Nam with dependence on forest and freshwater resources being high. The mountainous region of Quang Nam is classified as one of the poorest in Vietnam. Deforestation, over-harvesting and open-access forest areas are depleting essential natural resources, whilst soil fertility and productivity are decreasing due to exhausting agricultural practices and the adverse effects of seasonal drought and erosion.

The importance of forests and river management to watershed protection is of immense development importance in Quang Nam due to the annual floods that devastate lowland economies. To address such large, cross-sectoral issues, the long-term solution has to be a change in behaviour and attitude towards conservation and environmental protection. This can only be achieved through a comprehensive approach to raising the conservation consciousness and environmental understanding targeting all stakeholders within Quang Nam province.

MOSAIC reports, 2004-2005

2005-08-29

Monitoring Tigers and their prey in the Central Truong Son
- by WWF-Indochina & Forest Protection Department

A monitoring, research and survey plan

The aim of this plan is to implement a scientifically rigorous monitoring system for tigers and their prey as the basis for adaptive management and focused conservation interventions throughout the Central Truong Son Priority Landscape.

MOSAIC reports, 2004-2005

2005-08-29

Tiger and Prey in the Central Truong Son

Preliminary results of a survey and monitoring plan

The Truong Son Mountains are famous for the spate of large mammal species discovered in the last decade. The area is less well known for its tigers and is often 'written off' as a location for tiger conservation. The political will for conservation, especially of tigers, however, provides a good opportunity for integrated landscape and tiger conservation. Over the past year WWF and the Forest Protection Department of Vietnam has been trialling a tiger and prey monitoring programme yielding some interesting results.

MOSAIC reports, 2004-2005

2005-08-29

Saola conservation in Quang Nam province
- by Minh Hoang, Barney Long & James Hardcastle

The saola is distributed between 15^o 30' - 20^o 00' N and 104^o -108^o E along the Annamite Mountains (Vu Van Dung, Tham Ngoc Diep, this volume). Quang Nam province is known to be the southern most limit of the saola's distribution, but its exact limits are not clearly understood.

To ensure the saola's long-term future in Quang Nam, it is critical to identify its current and former distribution. This will allow prioritized and appropriate conservation efforts to be carried out. The Quang Nam Forest Protection Department in partnership with WWF have been implementing the MOSAIC project across Quang Nam. The results presented in this report represent saola data collected so far.

MOSAIC reports, 2004-2005

2005-08-29

Incorporating primate conservation into provincial policy and practice
- by Barney Long, Minh Hoang, James Hardcastle, Mike Baltzer and Thai Truyen

The province in Vietnam is the most critical implementation unit for the government's strategies, policies and plans. It is at the provincial level where strong integration between sectors results in effective co-operation and implementation at the site level. The province is, therefore, the strongest platform from which to plan and direct action for the site level whilst enabling replication to the national and ecoregional scales.

In order to conserve a wide range of primates across a large area requires substantial resources. Quang Nam Forest Protection Department (FPD), with technical support from WWF, are developing and leading a provincial conservation process to ensure relevant government agencies each play their role in primate conservation. This disperses resources to match prioritised needs enabling, long-term, effective conservation.