USAID helps discover Begonia laxiflora, a New Plant Species, in the Dakrong Nature Reserve, Quang Tri province
Posted on November, 18 2024
Quang Tri Province, Viet Nam, November 18, 2024 – The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Biodiversity Conservation Activity, in collaboration with scientists from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR) and Dakrong Nature Reserve, has identified Begonia laxiflora, a new plant species in the Begonia family, discovered in the dense evergreen forests of the Dakrong Nature Reserve. This newly discovered species is almost certainly endemic and represents an important addition to the rich biodiversity of the Annamites, Viet Nam.
"The discovery of the new species Begonia laxiflora in the Dakrong Nature Reserve is the result of our long-term commitment to conserving biodiversity in this region. As a convergence point of Viet Nam’s major plant hubs, we believe that with the right investment, the number of species added to the reserve—and new species to science—will continue to increase significantly. We are dedicated to protecting Vietnam’s rare plant species and unique ecosystems, making a positive contribution to preserving our natural heritage for future generations,” said Mr Truong Quang Trung, Director of Dakrong Nature Reserve, Quang Tri province. Begonia laxiflora was found growing on granite rocky steep slopes along streams. Distinguished by its elongated inflorescences and glabrous capsule, the species contributes to our understanding of Viet Nam’s plant diversity.
“USAID is committed to supporting the Government of Viet Nam to conserve its globally important biodiversity; this discovery is a signal of our fruitful cooperation in improvement of protected area management with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and provincial governments.” said Annie Wallace, Director of Office of Climate Change, Energy and Environment, USAID Vietnam.
Mr. Nick Cox, Chief of Party of USAID’s Biodiversity Conservation Activity, implemented by WWF, said: “It is highly likely that the Annamites will continue to yield many new species of plants and animals for years to come. What is vitally important is that the protection of these forest areas continues to be improved, building on the commitment from the Government of Viet Nam and the support of the U.S. Government via USAID.”
The discovery of a new plant species in Dakrong Nature Reserve is of great significance in contributing to biodiversity, supporting scientific research, and preserving the ecosystem of the area. It also serves as an indicator of environmental health and helps raise community awareness in nature conservation.
About USAID Biodiversity Conservation Activity
USAID Biodiversity Conservation Activity, managed by the Management Board for Forestry Projects of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (VFBC project), being implemented from 07/2020 to 06/2025, aims to maintain and increase forest quality and protect and stabilize wildlife populations in high conservation value provinces, and targets 14 special-use forests (SUFs) and 7 protection forests (PFs), linking forest management units across the landscape to maintain forest cover and connectivity of habitats vital for the protection of Viet Nam’s threatened and endemic species. USAID Biodiversity Conservation Activity is implemented by WWF-US in collaboration with the project’s partners including WWF-Viet Nam, Helvetas, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife, Re:wild (Formerly Global Wildlife Conservation, GWC) the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV), and Fauna & Flora International (FFI).The USAID Biodiversity Conservation has four strategic approaches (SA): SA1: Promote conservation-friendly enterprises in forest-dependent communities; SA2: Strengthen management of special-use and protection forests; SA3: Increase functionality of law enforcement systems for forest and wildlife crimes and SA4: Reduce local demand for illegal wildlife products through behavior change methodologies.