Vietnam among Countries of High Biodiversity: World Scientists

Both domestic and foreign scientists have proved that there are many rare kinds of animals and plants found in Vietnam, including those listed in the endangered ranking by the world’s books. According to a newly-released report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), 87 out of 163 new species discovered in the Greater Mekong region last year are available in Vietnam. The report called Species Oddity which were collected from documents of hundreds of scientists who discovered nine amphibians, 11 fish, 14 reptiles, 126 plants and three mammals in the region which also includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. “The Greater Mekong region is a magnet for the world’s conservation scientists because of the incredible diversity of species that continue to be discovered here,” said Wildlife Programme Manager for WWF-Greater Mekong Jimmy Borah. He added that “These scientists, the unsung heroes of conservation, know they are racing against time to ensure that these newly discovered species are protected.” “Vietnam are currently faced with a huge demand for wildlife for consumption and for the global illegal wildlife trade,” said Van Ngoc Thinh, Country Director of WWF Vietnam. “Habitat loss and pollution are also adding to the impacts on Vietnam’s wild species. To save these species, improving law enforcement, stopping illegal poaching, closing illegal wildlife markets and farming of wild rare and endangered species such as tigers and bears will be crucial,” Thinh noted. The Greater Mekong region is under intense development pressure from mines to roads to dams, threatening the survival of its unique natural landscapes. Poaching for bushmeat or the multi-billion dollar illegal wildlife trade puts additional pressure on the region’s wildlife, meaning many species could be lost before they are even discovered. (Thoi Bao Kinh Te Sai Gon – Saigon Economic Times Dec 19, Nhan Dan – The Peoples Dec 19)