© Thomas Cristofoletti / WWF-US
Species Conservation
The Central Annamites houses one of the largest continuous natural forest areas in continental Asia.

It is home to many endemic species including the saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), large-antlered muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis), Truong Son muntjac (Muntiacus truongsonensis), Owston’s civet (Chrotogale owstoni), crested argus (Rheinardia ocellata), and Annamite striped rabbit (Nesolagus timminsi); as well as other species of high conservation value including gibbon (Nomascus annamensis), red and grey shanked douc langurs (Pygathrix spp) and several pheasants (Lophura spp).

© Denise Stilley / WWF-Viet Nam

From year 2014, WWF has been supporting the protected areas in Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam provinces to strengthen research on the value of biodiversity resources in these areas. 

WWF continues to maintain the long-term biodiversity monitoring which includes systematic camera trapping of ground-dwelling mammals and birds in special use forests, Targeted camera trapping of key species in Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam Saola Nature Reserves; and gibbon and crested argus monitoring selected protected areas.

© David Hulse / WWF

​Saola

One spectacular discovery in 1992 was without a doubt, the Saola. The find proved to be the first large mammal new to science in more than 50 years and one of the most spectacular zoological discoveries of the 20th century. This incredible biodiversity is however threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation, as well as widespread illegal hunting. 

© WWF-Indonesia / Samsul Komar

Asian Elephant

Once being abundant in Viet Nam, the population of the iconic Asian elephants has been reduced to a few hundreds. Sadly, Viet Nam is a major source, transit and end destination for trafficked wildlife. The illegal wildlife trade is worth an estimated 8-10 billion USD p.a. in Southeast Asia and severely affects species native to the region as well as species from overseas like rhinos and African elephants.

© Martin Harvey / WWF