Five Vietnamese species have been listed among the 100 most endangered species in the world, including the Ho Guom turtle.
The report titled “100 Critically Endangered Species: Are They Priceless or Worthless?” is the result of the work of over 8,000 scientists from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). The list was announced at the World Conservation Conference held in Jeju Island, South Korea, on September 11.
The Vietnamese species included in the list are: Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), Edwards’s pheasant (Lophura edwardsi), Ho Guom turtle (Rafetus swinhoei), Giant river catfish (Pangasius sanitwongsei, family Pangasiidae), and the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus avunculus).
Ho Guom turtle
Globally, only four individuals of the Ho Guom turtle are currently alive, residing in Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Mo, with two others located in China. Recently, to conserve this species, scientists in Hanoi brought one specimen for medical treatment and released it back into the wild last year. However, as of now, authorities and scientists have yet to propose a breeding plan for the Ho Guom turtle.
Edwards’s pheasant, found in the provinces of Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue, is at risk of extinction. According to scientists, they are gradually disappearing due to overhunting and habitat loss. Conservationists are calling for measures to restore living conditions and implement breeding programs.
The Saola, known as the “Asian unicorn,” is one of the endangered mammal species in Southeast Asia. This species now has only a few individuals left in the Annamite Range along the Vietnam-Laos border.
The Tonkin snub-nosed monkey is one of the 25 primate species facing the risk of global extinction and is endemic to Vietnam. Currently, there are only four known species of Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys, with three species in China and one species in Vietnam. Despite Vietnamese laws protecting monkeys, they continue to be hunted, and their population is declining significantly. It is estimated that fewer than 200 individuals remain in the wild, primarily in northeastern Vietnam.
The Giant river catfish mainly inhabits the Mekong River basin in Vietnam. It has been included in the Red List of endangered species since 1996.
Saola. (Photo: WWF)
Among the 100 endangered species selected from 48 different countries, researchers highlighted the three-toed pygmy sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus) – the smallest sloth in the world, which is facing a serious risk of extinction. This species can only be found on Escudo Island, approximately 17 miles off the coast of Panama, Central America.
According to Jonathan Baillie, conservation director at ZSL, sponsors often prioritize projects and programs that benefit humans. As a result, conservationists face challenges in protecting species.
“We need to make an important decision: Do these species have the right to exist, or do humans have the right to drive them to the brink of extinction?” said Jonathan Baillie.
Ellen Butcher, who works at ZSL, added: “All species in the report are endemic and irreplaceable. If they disappear, no amount of money can bring them back.”
