The 3rd field survey and research for Lorises (Nycticebus spp.) in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve

Continuing the long-term research program for Lorises, July 2020, the research team of the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) collaborated with Xuan Lien Nature Reserve (NR) to conduct the third research field trip in the North-West area of the Xuan Lien. Total 13 transects with total 48km through various habitats to night-spot the lorises. However, only one pygmy loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus) and some others small nocturnal animal such as small flying-squirrel, mice, barn-owl were spotted. In combination with the result from the first field trip in July 2019 and the second one in December 2019, then there were 07 loris individuals were recorded including 02 slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) and 05 pygmy loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus) at the reserve. All of lorises were spotted in mixed-bamboo forest and the secondary forest recovered in abandoned shifting-cultivation fields (about 20 years). We have not recorded any loris in primary forest as shared by local community (through interview survey).Lorises are fully protected by Vietnamese laws, specifically at the Decree no. 06/2019/NĐ-CP and 160/2013/NĐ-CP (updated in the Decree no. 64/2019/NĐ-CP). Preliminary assessment at Xuan Lien, population of both species have been significantly declined due to poaching (main cause), trafficking (not so popular), and habitat loss (important cause). Although the Vietnam Red Data Book (2007) ranks loris as Vulnerable (VU), recent studies on loris in Vietnam showed that their populations had declined in all known ranges, therefore their threat level should be up listed to Endangered or Critically Endangered. Furthermore, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has also listed them under EN level, so it is necessary to increase the level of protection for lorises in Vietnam to urge for more active conservation measures for these species. Next steps, CCD will continue to coordinate with Xuan Lien Nature Reserve to conduct more study and identify relevant conservation approach to ensure better protection for the lorises populations in this important area. In addition, more outreach activities should be implemented to raise local people’s awareness of loris and others endangered wildlife in Xuan Lien. CCD is working closely with protected areas and national parks across the country to maintain long-term and active conservation programs for endangered flora and fauna in Vietnam. CCD also works with different partners to implement relevant capacity building activities for young scientists and staffs of protected areas and national parks to improve their research, monitor and conservation efforts for endangered species in Vietnam and in the Indochina region. We are also providing technical support and assistance to relevant government partners to improve the effectiveness of conservation activities, improve enforcement effort for national laws such as the Law on Forestry, and the Law on Biodiversity to to improve protected areas management and biodiversity conservation in Vietnam more effectively.