Nguyen Thanh Phuong, a biologist involved in the fieldwork, said a 2.5-month camera-trap survey in Dong Thai Forest recorded 12 mammal species and 15 bird species, including several endangered and critically endangered animals. Repeated serow sightings at two sites confirmed drone-based findings from 2024.
Based on current legal criteria, CeREC experts said Dong Thai Forest meets the requirements to be designated a species and habitat conservation area.
Conservationists said establishing a protected area would help safeguard endangered wildlife while supporting biodiversity conservation linked with ecotourism development.
The serow is listed in Vietnam’s Red Book as a rare and endangered species found in high limestone forests across several provinces. Its population has declined sharply due to hunting, trapping and habitat loss, with some former strongholds now devoid of the animal.