Rare animal species discovered, extinct for nearly 100 years in Xuan Lien forest

Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, located in the upper reaches of the Chu River, manages nearly 24,000 hectares of special-use forest, located in the administrative area of ​​5 communes and towns (Thuong Xuan district, Thanh Hoa province) and is considered one of the leading biodiversity centers in the country. With a flora of 1,228 species, there are 56 endangered and rare species in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world.

The fauna has 1,811 species, including 94 rare species in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world, including: 28 mammal species, 35 bird species, 15 reptile species, 6 amphibians, 6 insect species, and 4 fish species.

Notably, in conservation activities with research efforts, Xuan Lien Nature Reserve together with scientists identified new species, the status and habitat of rare animal and plant populations of great significance to Vietnam and the world.

According to information from Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, field results on the route, points and camera traps identified 11 individuals of Muntiacus muntjak and 36 other records of the Common Muntjac species. With the results of field surveys and DNA analysis of collected samples, the project determined that the reserve is currently home to two species of Muntjac: Common Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) and Muntiacus puhoatensis.

Through analysis and comparison of 42 genetic samples of muntjac species collected in Xuan Lien nature reserve combined with comparison of the skulls of samples in the museum, the existence of both muntjac species here has been confirmed.

The information, skull samples and photos of Mang pu hoat are the first official records of the presence of this species in Vietnam with full skull samples and actual photos in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve. For Mang pu hoat, these are the first photos of this species since it was described in 1929.

In 1999, an incomplete specimen of this species was also collected in Laos, but without photographs and with only one incomplete specimen. Therefore, the current records in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve are the newest and most complete records, and also the only records of living individuals of this species here.

The existence of the Mang pu hoat here once again confirms the special biodiversity value of this area, which is known as one of the most important distribution areas of the critically endangered White-cheeked Crested Gibbon and of many other endangered and endemic species of plants and animals.

In addition, the record also confirms that Xuan Lien Nature Reserve is the only place where the Mang pu hoat population is currently known to exist in the world. Therefore, the protection and management of the natural and forest values ​​here is also to protect and conserve this rare Mang quy species with special conservation significance.

Mr. Pham Anh Tam, Director of Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, said that through research, the species of Mang pu hoat was discovered, which was thought to have become extinct nearly 100 years ago. This is a testament to the diversity of resources and wildlife that are still being preserved, so it is necessary to have the joint protection of local authorities, agencies, departments as well as local people," said Mr. Tam.

The scientific name of the Roosevelt Muntjac is (Muntiacus rooseveltorum), genetic analysis has identified it as Muntiacus puhoatensis, called Muntiacus Puhoat. The species has a body similar to the Hoằng, but is smaller, weighing from 14-20 kg, the whole body is covered with fine brown-yellow or rust-yellow fur. Four slender legs. The tail is thick, about 30 mm short. The male has short, unbranched horns, the length of both the base and the horns is not more than 10 cm. The species has a very narrow distribution.