LARGE-ANTLERED MUNTJAC CONSERVATION AT THE ELEPHANT SPECIES AND HABITAT CONSERVATION AREA IN QUANG NAM PROVINCE

The Large-antlered Muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis) is a member of the Cervidae family, listed as Critically Endangered, living in Annamite Range spanning Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. This elusive, solitary ungulate is now teetering on the brink of extinction due to rampant poaching and habitat loss.

From left to rightPicture 1: Aerial view of the Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area in Quang NamPicture 2: Camera traps were installed at the Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area in Quang Nam province. Mr. Oanh (pictured) is one of the most experienced CCD’s fieldPicture 3: Camera traps were installed at the Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area in Quang Nam. Mr. Nham, a ranger from Que Lam Station, was among the key officers accompanying CCD during the camera trap deployment.©CCD/2024

Over the last three months of 2024, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with the Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area in Quang Nam province, deployed 200 camera traps across the entire protected area to gather vital data for the conservation of the Large-antlered Muntjac and its ecosystem.

from left to right:Picture 4: A Large-antlered Muntjac was detected through camera trapping.Picture 5: Large-antlered Muntjac droppings were discovered by CCD experts during field surveys

In addition, CCD conducted a training course on camera trap techniques, data analysis, and the use of other field research equipment to optimize survey efforts. All camera trap data collected have been handed over to the Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area for ongoing monitoring and species conservation planning.

from left to right:Picture 6: A group of Stump-tailed Macaque (Macaca artoides), including several juveniles, was recorded by a camera trap.Picture 7: A mother and two juvenile Asian Palm Civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) were recorded foraging by a camera trap.Picture 8: A flock of Vietnamese crested argus (Rheinardia ocellata) was captured on a camera trap.Picture 9: In addition to camera traps, the monitoring team also recorded numerous reptile and amphibian species at the Elephant Species and Habitat Conservation Area in Quang Nam. Pictured is a Chinese Water Dragon (

Physignathus cocincinus)

Picture 10: Ếch gáy dô

Beyond the Large-antlered Muntjac, CCD is also conducting intensive surveys to identify other endangered populations across the Annamites. The datasets gathered are critical not only for in-situ conservation but also for ex-situ conservation breeding programs. Furthermore, CCD's efforts aim to foster multi-stakeholder collaboration to support breeding initiatives and rewilding programs for Vietnam’s endangered, precious, and rare species.

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This initiative is supported by the Species Conservation Fund (SCF) under the Sustainable Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).