The status of large carnivores in Vietnam

Abstract

Seven large carnivores and omnivores (the tiger (Panthera tigris), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), leopard (P. pardus), Asiatic golden cat (F. temminckii), Asiatic black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus), Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), and dhole (Cuon alpinus)), are known still to occur in Vietnam. Unfortunately, all of them are classified as "endangered" or "vulnerable" in the Red Data Book of Vietnam (Ministry of Science Technology and Environment 1992). Their poor status is the result of extreme population declines caused by illegal hunting for food and medicine, by deforestation, and by hunting for the illegal wildlife trade. These anti-conservation activities are rooted in the countries poor economic situation, particularly among local rural communities. An increase in national welfare, resulting from the introduction of modern, and more technical agricultural methods, along with improved public nature conservation education, and strict enforcement of the law, may be required before these problems can be resolved. Research on Vietnam's large carnivores, and action plans for their conservation, is urgently needed.